A major humanitarian shipment has set sail from Limassol, as Cyprus delivers 1,200 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The mission, which departed on Monday evening, underscores the Republic of Cyprus’ determination to support international relief efforts in a region gripped by one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent years.
According to Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, the shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza consists primarily of foodstuffs, with special emphasis on items that meet the nutritional needs of children. “Cyprus continues to act decisively on the humanitarian front, in close cooperation with international partners and organisations under the framework of the United Nations,” he said.
Out of the total 1,200 tons, 700 have been provided directly by the Republic of Cyprus, while the remaining 500 tons were contributed by the Government of Malta and several international humanitarian organisations. These include groups based in the United States, Italy, Kuwait, and the Sovereign Order of Malta.
A decisive role in the success of this humanitarian mission was played by the United Arab Emirates, which facilitated its implementation. Once delivered, the aid will be distributed in Gaza by the international relief organisation World Central Kitchen, operating within the UN delivery mechanism.
Cyprus as a humanitarian hub in the Eastern Mediterranean
This latest shipment is part of a broader strategy to establish Cyprus as a humanitarian hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. The island has consistently sought to leverage its geographic position to contribute to regional stability and relief operations. By sending humanitarian aid to Gaza, Cyprus strengthens not only its international partnerships but also its role as a reliable actor in times of crisis.
The ongoing war and blockade have left Gaza facing acute shortages of essential supplies. Malnutrition, particularly among children, has become a pressing concern. International organisations stress that sustained humanitarian access is vital to preventing further deterioration of living conditions in the enclave.
Cyprus’ Foreign Minister highlighted that cooperation between states and NGOs remains the only way to ensure that humanitarian aid to Gaza reaches those who need it most. He also noted that Cyprus will continue working with allies and humanitarian actors to coordinate further shipments if necessary.
A message of solidarity
The shipment of 1,200 tons of aid stands as a message of solidarity from Cyprus and its partners. It demonstrates that despite political and logistical obstacles, humanitarian action can transcend borders. As food supplies and children’s essentials head toward Gaza, the mission embodies a commitment to alleviating suffering and supporting the dignity of vulnerable populations.
For Cyprus, this mission is also a reaffirmation of its longstanding tradition of bridging divides and supporting humanitarian initiatives at the crossroads of three continents.
Η Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία συνεχίζει την έμπρακτη δράση στο ανθρωπιστικό πεδίο. Πάντα σε στενή συνεργασία και συντονισμό με διεθνείς εταίρους και ανθρωπιστικούς οργανισμούς, και εντός του πλαισίου του ΟΗΕ.
— Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) August 19, 2025
Σε αυτή τη βάση αναχώρησε χθες βράδυ από το Λιμάνι Λεμεσού ανθρωπιστική… pic.twitter.com/mKnUr5lih6
Also read: Palestinian ambassador urges countries to act on famine in Gaza
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