A second load of aid from the World Central Kitchen left Cyprus for Gaza on Saturday, carrying almost 400 tons of much-needed food for Palestinians facing the threat of famine. The shipment, which included shelf-stable and ready-to-eat items like rice, pasta, and canned vegetables, was double the amount delivered in the charity’s first shipment to Gaza in March.
The United Arab Emirates also contributed a shipment of dates, traditionally eaten to break one’s fast during Ramadan, which is just over a week away. The aid is crucial as Gaza faces severe food shortages, with a recent report warning that northern Gaza could reach famine levels in the coming months.
Delivery by sea has become a vital lifeline for Gaza, where aid has been limited due to tightly controlled border crossings. The first vessel to arrive in Gaza was the first authorized to deliver aid in decades, and efforts are now focused on northern Gaza where violence has hindered distribution.
The United States has also announced plans to build a temporary floating pier to bring aid into Gaza, but it could take weeks to complete. The process of getting aid into Gaza by land is complicated, with trucks facing delays and difficulties due to damaged roads from Israel’s bombardment.
The situation has sparked tensions between aid agencies and Israeli authorities, with the U.N. agency for Palestinians accusing Israel of slowing down aid inspections. COGAT, the Israeli unit overseeing deliveries, blames aid groups for not distributing aid quickly enough.
As the international community rallies to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the arrival of the second aid shipment offers a glimmer of hope for Palestinians in desperate need of assistance.
