A significant shipment of food aid, totaling 400 tons, has set sail from Cyprus bound for Gaza, marking a crucial effort to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave. The departure of the vessel, named “Jennifer,” was confirmed by American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), which spearheaded the initiative in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address urgent food shortages in Gaza.
This relief mission follows a disruption in humanitarian operations caused by a tragic Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers, sparking international outrage. As a result, several aid providers, including WCK, temporarily suspended their activities in Gaza.
The UAE, in collaboration with ANERA, has organized the delivery through the Israeli port of Ashdod, ensuring that the aid undergoes necessary security clearance upon arrival. Mohenad Itayam, ANERA’s emergency response team lead in the West Bank, highlighted that the shipment’s expected journey time to Ashdod is approximately 25 to 30 hours.
Upon reaching Ashdod, the aid will be transferred onto trucks destined for the Kerem Shalom border crossing, the primary entry point into Gaza. ANERA aims to distribute the aid, supported by community members and in coordination with Israeli authorities, to northern Gaza initially, with potential expansions to other areas depending on security conditions.
The UAE has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to Gaza, with over 31,000 tons of urgent supplies delivered through various means, including flights, airdrops, trucks, and ships. This latest endeavor underscores ongoing efforts to maximize aid delivery to the strip amid critical humanitarian needs.
Simultaneously, international efforts are underway to enhance aid delivery infrastructure. Britain’s Royal Navy announced support for the construction of a temporary pier off Gaza’s coast, complementing existing initiatives led by the United States to facilitate humanitarian operations from the sea.
The urgency of these efforts is underscored by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which warns of an impending famine in northern Gaza between mid-March and May if substantial aid is not swiftly delivered. Aid agencies emphasize the critical need for sustained support to address the escalating humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s entire population.
