Open Arms, the rescue ship, has begun unloading the 200 metric tons of humanitarian aid it carries for the people of Gaza. This marks the completion of the first leg of the maritime corridor opened from Cyprus, delivering essential relief to Gazans after more than five months of military operations in the region. The moment stands as a milestone in ongoing efforts to provide assistance to civilians caught in the long-running conflict.
The announcement came from World Central Kitchen, the charity led by Spanish chef José Andrés, which is partnering with Open Arms on this mission to move food stored on a floating platform that has served as the ship’s cargo hold during the three-day voyage. The organization emphasizes the importance of distributing nutritious basics to those in need amid a crisis that has stretched relief resources thin.
“We have already delivered two cases from the barge,” the chef reported on social media, noting that more loads remain to be unloaded in the hours ahead. The tone conveyed a sense of cautious optimism about the progress and a steadfast commitment to continue the work.
The vessel carries a cargo of 200 tons of staples including flour, rice, lentils, chickpeas, tuna, and other essentials that will be turned into a million meals. The participants stressed that this moment will be remembered as a turning point in the broader effort to alleviate hunger among Gazans and expressed gratitude to José Andrés and the World Central Kitchen team for their collaboration in delivering aid to Gaza.
Maritime humanitarian corridor
The Open Arms journey represents the first step in what has been dubbed operation Amaltea, an attempt to establish a maritime humanitarian corridor between Cyprus and the Gaza Strip. Yet the mission faces significant logistical and security challenges ahead, including inspections by Israeli authorities before the aid can reach the coastal enclave and be distributed to those in need.
Gaza’s authorities, under the control of Hamas, have called on the international community to reassess the viability of the maritime route and have expressed doubts about the mechanism’s ability to deliver the required quantities efficiently. They have urged international pressure on Israel to allow land convoys to move more freely into the area, arguing that a multi-channel approach would accelerate relief efforts.
United Nations agencies and several non-governmental organizations have sounded alarms about Israel’s restrictions on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The population faces a severe humanitarian crisis amid a military offensive that began after attacks by Hamas on October 7. The situation has raised fears of famine and a collapse of the health system in Gazan territory, prompting calls for immediate, unimpeded aid access through both maritime and land routes.
As the caravan of relief moves forward, international observers stress the need for robust safety protocols, transparent coordination among agencies, and sustained humanitarian funding to stabilize life for those affected in Gaza. The unfolding operation highlights the delicate balance between ensuring aid reaches those in need while navigating political and security realities on the ground.