Ship Carrying Humanitarian Aid Sets Sail for Gaza Amidst Growing Crisis
A ship carrying desperately needed humanitarian aid is set to embark on a journey to Gaza this weekend, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the growing crisis in the region. The Spanish vessel, Open Arms, operated by the Spanish charity of the same name, will depart from Cyprus, the closest EU country to Gaza, and aims to utilize a newly opened shipping route. With no functioning port and shallow waters, the ship’s final destination in Gaza remains uncertain.
The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with the UN reporting that a quarter of the Strip’s population is on the brink of famine and children are starving to death. In response to this dire situation, Open Arms has partnered with US charity World Central Kitchen to load a barge with 200 tonnes of food. Oscar Camps, the founder of Open Arms, expressed his confidence in the mission, stating that he was not concerned about security despite the challenges that lie ahead.
The journey is expected to take around two to three days, with the most complicated operation being the final mile of the journey. However, Camps remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team from World Central Kitchen has been working diligently to build a pier at the destination point where aid can be received and distributed. With 60 kitchens throughout Gaza, the group is well-equipped to ensure that the food reaches those in need.
The aid trip has been in preparation for weeks, awaiting the opening of a maritime corridor. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the corridor while in Cyprus, just a day after President Joe Biden revealed plans for a temporary floating port off Gaza’s shoreline. The US port, which will take up to 60 days to complete and require 1,000 troops to build, aims to receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters. Initial shipments will arrive via Cyprus, where Israeli security inspections will take place. The pier has the potential to deliver up to 2 million meals daily, according to a Pentagon spokesman.
The coordination between the US’ temporary pier and the EU’s sea corridor remains unclear, as neither Biden nor Von der Leyen mentioned each other’s plans. However, the international efforts to provide more aid into Gaza have been welcomed by organizations such as Save the Children. Despite this, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Children in Gaza are already suffering from malnutrition, and the time it may take to build a temporary port may be too long for them to wait. Doctors Without Borders has called for Israel to facilitate the flow of supplies, viewing the US plan for a temporary pier as a distraction from the real problem.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza has not only resulted in a devastating loss of life but has also created a growing humanitarian crisis. The UN has warned that famine in Gaza is “almost inevitable,” with 576,000 people facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity and one in six children under the age of two in the north suffering from acute malnutrition. The ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza represents a lifeline for those in desperate need, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of the crisis.
In conclusion, the ship’s departure from Cyprus marks a significant step towards addressing the growing crisis in Gaza. The collaboration between Open Arms and World Central Kitchen demonstrates the power of international solidarity in times of need. While challenges lie ahead, the determination and commitment of those involved give hope that the aid will reach those who need it most. Urgent action is required to save lives and alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza, and this humanitarian mission is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.