A three-ship convoy left Cyprus for Gaza early on Saturday, carrying 400 tons of food and other supplies, marking the second recent delivery of its kind as concerns about widespread famine in the area continue to grow.
The aid deliveries are arranged by World Central Kitchen (WCK). The boats are transporting ready-to-eat items such as rice, pasta, flour, legumes, canned vegetables, and proteins that could make over 1 million meals. The Associated Press stated.
The shipment also contained dates, which are traditionally eaten to end the daily fast during Ramadan, which concludes on April 8, according to the news wire.
The convoy is the second delivery from WCK and the founder of the organization, celebrity chef José Andrés. The first ship carrying aid reached the shores of Gaza on March 16, with the organization promising that more would be on the way.
The ship belongs to the Open Arms aid group from Spain and utilized a sea corridor established by international donors to provide Gaza with additional aid.
The United Nations warns has warned that famine could emerge in northern Gaza as soon as this month. The World Food Programme (WFP) indicated in a recent report that famine is “imminent” since the entire population is facing crisis levels of food insecurity.
Earlier this month, President Biden announced that the U.S. would provide more aid by air and sea, but humanitarian officials believe it’s far from sufficient. The White House also revealed that the U.S. would construct a temporary port on the outskirts of Gaza to enhance aid efforts.
The war started on Oct. 7 between Israel and Hamas after the militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 hostages taken. Since the beginning of the conflict, over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry's reports.
