UAE Minister Reem Al Hashimy discusses humanitarian efforts for Gaza in Cyprus

The UAE Minister also discussed ways to ensure the delivery of urgent and sufficient aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, following the suspension of the sea corridor between Cyprus and the Strip due to Israeli violations that jeopardize aid efforts.

During talks with Marilena Raouna, Minister of State for European Affairs in Cyprus, and Andreas Antoniades, Accountant General of the Ministry of the Treasury, Al Hashimy reviewed and evaluated ways to strengthen existing channels and mechanisms in relation to humanitarian initiatives, following the attacks of the Convoy World Central Kitchen (WCK) on April 2, 2024, resulting in the freezing of relief efforts within the Maritime Corridor Initiative.

The Initiative, launched on March 8, had received broad international support, including from the United States, the European Commission and several countries, to provide sufficient additional aid by sea and to cooperate with Sigrid Kaag, UN High Humanity and Reconstruction . Coordinator for Gaza.

Al Hashimy underlined the importance of continuing the multilateral international cooperative approach to address the worsening catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and promptly mitigate the harm to innocent civilians by ensuring the immediate and widespread flow of aid, safely delivered. , without obstacles and in a sustainable way. through all available channels by land, air and sea.

Furthermore, he stressed the need to facilitate the opening of additional roads and crossings to transport more aid and intensify the efforts necessary to support efforts to alleviate human suffering in Gaza and prevent famine. Furthermore, the Emirati and Cypriot sides renewed their condemnation of acts of violence against humanitarian workers who dedicate their lives to serving those in need.

Both sides stressed the need for Israeli authorities to provide credible and transparent investigation results and commit to not repeat similar acts if the international partners of the Maritime Corridor Initiative agree to resume work on the Cyprus-Gaza corridor in the future. In this regard, the discussions emphasized that Israel must assume the responsibility imposed by the norms of international humanitarian law to ensure humanitarian efforts and respect and protect relief workers.

Furthermore, Al Hashimy reaffirmed during the discussions the UAE’s firm and unwavering commitment to the brotherly Palestinian people and support for the Gaza Strip during these catastrophic times. He stressed that the UAE will remain committed to working in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law with all interested international parties to provide humanitarian aid to affected civilians in Gaza and strengthen humanitarian efforts to ensure the safe arrival of aid. effective and fair. manner. In this regard, Al Hashimy stressed that the resumption of work on the maritime corridor requires further review in light of the absence of security guarantees for humanitarian workers.