The aim is to operate a humanitarian corridor as soon as possible, Nicosia says

Nicosia is seeking to secure the assistance and support of international actors, and in particular the USA, EU member states, countries of the Arab world, and the UN in the effort to make all necessary preparations so that as soon as it becomes possible, to operate, a maritime humanitarian corridor from Cyprus for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza, a project that would have to be given the green light by Israel.

A key issue, diplomatic sources said, is the security of the entire project. Nicosia continues intensively its diplomatic consultations held at the highest level, by President Nikos Christodoulides, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos.

Nicosia sends the message that it is not dogmatic when it comes to shaping the various parameters of its initiative. Diplomatic sources pointed out on Tuesday that, Nicosia gets some information from everyone it talks to, which tries to include in this project in order to go ahead with the next step.

They emphasised that the goal is to have a safe, controlled, stable and long-term delivery of large amounts of humanitarian aid and to ensure that it reaches those who truly need it. The distribution of this aid can be carried out by various international organisations that have experience with these issues, the same sources noted.

They said that since there was currently no ceasefire, humanitarian pauses could be a tool to enable the safe delivery and distribution of aid, noting that the delivery and management of cargo cannot be a responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus.

Regarding the type of aid that should be sent, they noted that it will concern food, water, basic necessities, and medicines, but beyond that, contact needs to be made with the Palestinian side and there should be information on exactly what the needs are.

In addition to the discussion of the issue of the humanitarian corridor on 31 October during the telephone conversation between President Christodoulides and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, the issue is expected to be discussed with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix during his meeting on Wednesday with the President of the Republic since the United Nations will be involved in the whole effort.

The issue of the humanitarian corridor will also be raised during Kombos' visit to Berlin on 1 November in the context of his meeting with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock.

The same sources pointed out that Nicosia was satisfied with Kombos' discussions on 29 and 30 November with his counterparts from Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, in Amman and Ramallah, respectively, noting that beyond the topic of the crisis and the attempt to create the humanitarian corridor, the issue of Cyprus’ abstention during the vote on the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly was also raised.

They said that the Cypriot side explained its position and the reasons for this approach and it was completely understood.

Regarding the visit to Ramallah in particular, the diplomatic sources pointed out that the meetings there were very good and that Nicosia's position for strengthening the Palestinian Authority which is the counterweight to Hamas, was expressed, while from the Palestinian side there was an update on the situation on the ground which as time goes by, becomes much worse amidst the ongoing hostilities.

In relation to the diplomatic efforts for de-escalation, the diplomatic sources pointed out that Nicosia was listening and conveying messages in all directions on how de-escalation could take place and preventing the spillover of violence elsewhere, such as in the West Bank and Lebanon.

They also underlined the need to address the issue of hostages held by Hamas as a priority as well as the issue of the protection of the civilian population, and that the aim should be to end hostilities and start a process of political dialogue in which under no circumstances, Hamas can have a place.

(Source: CNA)