Report: Cyprus and Israel Work on Proposal for Humanitarian Corridor to Gaza Strip

By Yoni Weiss

According to a report by Yisrael Hayom, Cyprus and Israel are jointly working towards establishing a humanitarian corridor linking Cyprus to the Gaza Strip. The objective is to facilitate the efficient delivery of essential aid from across the globe to the residents of Gaza, potentially replacing the existing Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings used for civilian supply transfer during and after conflicts.

The initiative for this humanitarian corridor stemmed from Cyprus, and its discussion has been a focal point in a meeting between the respective foreign ministers, Eli Cohen and Dr. Constantinos Kombos. Both ministers have agreed to assemble working groups to meticulously evaluate the proposal before its potential implementation.

As per the proposal, Cyprus plans to allocate a specific area within the Larnaca Port vicinity to channel all humanitarian supplies destined for Gaza, encompassing vital resources like water, food, and medicine. Upon inspection by Israeli authorities, these goods will be directed to the Gaza Strip. However, the exact docking location within Gaza is yet to be determined.

Several options are under consideration, including receiving the cargo at Gaza’s smaller port, unloading goods directly on the beach, or transferring the cargo through Egypt’s El-Arish port before reaching Gaza.

High-ranking officials from Israel’s Foreign Ministry, IDF, the Shin Bet, and other relevant entities recently deliberated on the proposal’s intricate aspects. While acknowledging the potential of the corridor to address humanitarian concerns, a diplomatic source emphasized the need for comprehensive discussions to ensure both security and the effective delivery of aid within Gaza.

“The Cypriot proposal is encouraging, but its multifaceted nature requires careful consideration to guarantee the corridor’s security and the appropriate delivery of aid within the Gaza Strip,” remarked a diplomatic source to Yisrael Hayom.