UAE to boost humanitarian shipments to Gaza through Cyprus partnership, says Lana Nusseibeh - Salam
Assalamu alaikum - Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh outlined on Friday the UAE's plan to increase humanitarian deliveries to Gaza through a key partnership with Cyprus.
Ms Nusseibeh said establishing a maritime corridor from Cyprus will be vital to expanding relief for Palestinians who are suffering most from the conflict. During her visit to Cyprus she inspected aid being gathered at Limassol port and stressed how important it is to step up support for civilians in Gaza.
“Keeping multiple entry routes into Gaza is very important,” Ms Nusseibeh told reporters. “As this effort moves forward, access to Gaza by land, air and sea will remain critical.”
Around 22,000 tonnes of pre-screened aid have already been sent from Cyprus under the Amalthea Initiative, started last year. In August the UAE reiterated its commitment to using the maritime corridor as a lifeline for humanitarian assistance.
Both the Emirates and Cyprus have underlined their shared determination to ease the suffering of civilians by ensuring safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of aid through all possible routes, and to coordinate closely with international partners while respecting international humanitarian law and principles.
President Sheikh Mohammed spoke by phone with the President of Cyprus in October to discuss the ceasefire and emphasise the urgency of continued aid operations. Ms Nusseibeh - who has been a prominent figure in UAE foreign policy and in efforts to secure peace and support civilians in Gaza - was appointed Minister of State in September after serving in senior diplomatic posts, including as the UAE’s ambassador to the UN.
A US-brokered ceasefire came into effect last month, bringing cautious hope that stability can return after nearly two years of conflict that has caused massive displacement, severe food shortages and shortages of medical care in Gaza. The humanitarian situation remains critical for more than two million people in the enclave.
May Allah make these efforts beneficial for the innocent and grant relief to those who are suffering. Please remember to support verified charitable channels if you are able - giving sadaqah and dua help in ways big and small.
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