In shadows of conflict, Cyprus extends hand to Gaza

Humanitarian aid destined for Gaza is anticipated to depart from Cyprus in the coming days, according to a source familiar with the situation on Wednesday.

According to a report on Reuters, the source did not specify the country providing the aid, its intended landing location, or the distribution plan. However, the source mentioned that the aid efforts were being coordinated with the United Arab Emirates.

"We want the aid to reach Gaza before the start of Ramadan," the source informed Reuters anonymously, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The need for delivering aid to Gaza has intensified as a humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Following a deadly Hamas raid on Israel on October 7, Israel initiated an offensive, resulting in over 30,700 casualties, as reported by Gaza health officials.

Tragically, on Wednesday, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry disclosed the deaths of two Palestinians, aged 15 and 72, due to dehydration and malnutrition, bringing the toll of such fatalities to 20. Reuters was unable to independently verify these deaths.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was scheduled to arrive in Cyprus late Thursday, with plans to visit the port of Larnaca on Friday. The port has been identified as a crucial launching point for aid shipments.

Cyprus, situated 370 km (230 miles) northwest of Gaza in the Mediterranean, stands as the closest European Union state to the troubled region.

[With information sourced from Reuters]