NICOSIA: A vessel carrying aid to a pier built by the US off Gaza set sail from Cyprus on Thursday (May 9), marine tracking websites showed.
As the US-flagged Sagamore departed from the port of Larnaca on Thursday morning, there was a notable absence of commentary from Cypriot authorities. Earlier statements from these officials had indicated that the vessel would embark on its journey as soon as the floating platform was securely in place, with departure contingent upon favorable weather conditions.
Despite the anticipation surrounding this humanitarian mission, the silence from Cypriot authorities added a layer of intrigue to the vessel’s departure, leaving observers to speculate on the intricacies of the operation and the dynamics at play in facilitating aid delivery to the besieged enclave of Gaza.
Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, in response to Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct 7, has devastated the tiny Gaza Strip, where aid agencies warn its 2.3 million people are facing imminent famine.
Cyprus initiated a significant move in March by opening a sea corridor to facilitate the direct shipment of aid to Gaza. This decision came amid heightened disruptions to aid deliveries caused by border closures and Israel’s military operations in the region.
By establishing this sea corridor, Cyprus aimed to provide a lifeline for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza, where the local population of 2.3 million people faced severe challenges exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and blockade.
