ALBAWABA - The Spanish aid ship Open Arms was seen leaving Larnaca port in Cyprus, towing a barge containing wheat, rice, and protein, heading to Gaza.
The aid ship is organized by the US-based organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), with the ship supplied by the Spanish charity Proactiva Open Arms, and is mainly funded by the United Arab Emirates.
WCK founder Jose Andres and chief executive officer Erin Gore in a statement that these expeditions are aimed towards providing a continuous lifeline to Gaza, with aid ships providing millions of meals to the besieged strip.
"Our goal is to establish a maritime highway of boats and barges stocked with millions of meals continuously headed toward Gaza," Andres stated.
Andres added that WCK has a further 500 tons of aid in Cyprus ports ready for dispatch to Gaza. The charities intend to take aid directly to Gaza, which has been sealed off from the outside world due to the total blockade Israel imposed since it launched its brutal aggression on Gaza.
Due to a shortage of port infrastructure, WCK has stated that it is building a landing dock in Gaza using materials from demolished structures and rubble. It is distinct from the project proposed by the United States last week, which intends to construct a temporary dock in the enclave to ease aid deliveries by sea.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 27 people have died of malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of severe famine.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The latest statistics by the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed that the death toll from Israeli brutal pounding on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 31,100+ people, with more than 72,700+ injuries.
Since then, approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people lack shelter, and aid trucks are entering the area at a lower rate than before the conflict began.
