Limassol: The United Arab Emirates has announced a significant increase in humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, highlighting a maritime corridor through Cyprus as a vital channel alongside traditional land and air access points. The move aims to enhance relief operations and provide timely support to civilians affected by years of conflict and instability.
Speaking from the port of Limassol in Cyprus, UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh emphasized the importance of maintaining multiple entry routes into Gaza. “Access by land, air and sea is going to remain critical,” she said, underlining that the new sea route will allow for a more consistent and reliable flow of pre-screened aid into the territory. By leveraging Cyprus as a staging hub, the UAE intends to bypass logistical bottlenecks and expand the volume of humanitarian supplies reaching those in urgent need.
The Gaza Strip has been grappling with severe humanitarian challenges since a cross-border conflict erupted in October 2023, causing widespread devastation. Relief agencies have faced ongoing difficulties in delivering aid due to damaged infrastructure, restricted movement, and complex political conditions. While previous efforts utilized the temporary U.S.-built pier and shipments through Israel’s port of Ashdod, aid delivery has remained insufficient to meet the scale of need, leaving millions dependent on external support.
Under the UAE-led Amalthea Initiative, approximately 22,000 tons of pre-screened aid have already been dispatched via Cyprus since last year. The UAE now plans to increase these volumes and diversify entry routes to ensure a sustained supply. The operation underscores the UAE’s commitment to providing not only emergency relief but also a structured approach to humanitarian logistics in the region.
The UAE’s focus on a sea-based route has multiple implications. Logistically, it reduces reliance on a single land corridor, offering redundancy and reliability. Regionally, it strengthens collaboration with Cyprus and demonstrates the UAE’s growing role in orchestrating humanitarian operations beyond its borders. Politically, the initiative projects soft power while addressing urgent civilian needs, reflecting the UAE’s positioning as a key humanitarian actor in the Middle East.
Despite the initiative’s promise, numerous challenges remain. Safe maritime delivery requires coordination among Israeli authorities, international agencies, and local Gazan partners. Pre-screening procedures, port logistics, and on-ground distribution demand careful management to avoid bottlenecks. The fragile infrastructure in Gaza, combined with ongoing political and security risks, adds complexity to the operation.
For Gaza’s population, the UAE’s expanded aid operation offers a crucial lifeline. By strengthening the Cyprus corridor, authorities aim to improve access to essential supplies and medical aid for civilians affected by conflict and displacement. As Minister Nusseibeh noted, the effort seeks not just to deliver material assistance but also to provide reassurance that humanitarian support remains steadfast and coordinated across multiple routes.