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- Ελληνικά
The Republic of Cyprus, as a state in the region and in response to its moral obligation to assist in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, has worked to create an additional option for the international community with different implementation possibilities depending on the circumstances.
The initiative for a one-way sea corridor for sending humanitarian aid with a final destination of the civilian population in Gaza had specific parameters from the outset.
First, the establishment of an operational mechanism for the safe receipt, custody and loading of significant quantities of humanitarian aid, with a methodology that meets the heightened security needs of the parties involved.
Secondly, to ensure cooperation with States that have the waterborne means of transporting aid, depending on the choice of delivery point (Gaza, Egypt, Israel) and the timing in relation to conditions on the ground.
Both parameters were implemented and met with Israel's public approval and the practical support of the United Kingdom. Both of these elements are not insignificant and we continue to consult with other necessarily involved parties, including the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations.
In addition, the implementation aspect of the Amalgamation Plan, which includes the option for immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, is now in place. The use of this option, which did not exist but was created, can be timed to materialize when the international community chooses to activate it. The Republic of Cyprus did not promise from the outset that it could control all aspects but, on the contrary, is working to the best of its ability to help deal with the rapidly deteriorating situation.
Today it is announced that the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom, in a spirit of excellent cooperation and full understanding, have dispatched the first shipment of almost 90 tonnes, transported by a suitable UK sea-going vessel, which could accommodate any delivery option and which option was assessed according to the conditions on the ground. The shipment also includes 10 tonnes of pharmaceuticals contributed by the Republic of Cyprus.
This humanitarian aid arrived in Port Said, Egypt, and will then be transferred, in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent, to the designated crossing point of Rafah, in accordance with the applicable procedures. The process of receiving and distributing the aid to the Gaza Strip involves the relevant stakeholders under existing arrangements, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Present at the arrival of the humanitarian aid cargo in Port Said were the Chief of Staff and staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Cairo.
The Republic of Cyprus, through its multifaceted contribution, is strengthening its role in the region. Already a significant financial contribution for 2023 - much higher than in other years - of €1.1 million has been provided by Cyprus through UNRWA, the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as well as the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Red Crescent.
The development of the Amalthea Plan has been initiated and is being taken forward with the involvement of stakeholders. Efforts will continue with adaptation to the evolving realities on the ground. The process includes consultations with direct stakeholders and interested partners to optimally implement the operational aspects of the initiative including immediate, medium and long-term planning dimensions as well as delivery options. The requirement of a safe point of departure, which is Larnaca and which brings together the necessary critical infrastructure, has been secured, tested, implemented and approved.
Our effort will continue with an eye to the future, in a methodical manner and always with respect to the sensitive nature of the issue and the need for responsible information in a way that does not undermine the effort.
(NZ/GS)
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