US accelerates Gaza aid efforts with Amalthea plan

American efforts are underway to construct a temporary dock in Gaza, according to diplomatic sources cited by the Cyprus News Agency on Friday. The project, part of the Amalthea Plan, is expected to be completed within 15 days, these sources revealed.

The construction of such a dock will facilitate faster maritime access to Gaza. Ships will no longer need to transport heavy equipment platforms, reducing dependency on weather conditions. Additionally, larger quantities of humanitarian aid can be transported and unloaded in significantly shorter timeframes.

Israel announced on Thursday, following a phone call between the U.S. President and the Israeli Prime Minister, its intention to allow "temporary" delivery of humanitarian aid through the Ashdod port, located approximately 40 kilometers north of the Gaza Strip, and the Erez crossing.

Israeli authorities also stated their willingness to "increase aid" directly from Jordan through the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Israel.

A White House spokesperson welcomed these steps announced by the Israeli government "at the request of the President" following his conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister. These measures must now be implemented "fully and swiftly," the spokesperson emphasized.

It is worth noting that the Republic of Cyprus, through President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Konstantinos Koutsioumbas, has previously underscored that the maritime corridor for delivering humanitarian aid via Cyprus is a supplementary effort. They have called for the opening of additional pathways, including the Ashdod port.

[With information sourced from CNA]