“This shipment marks an important operational milestone in strengthening WHO’s interregional humanitarian logistics capacity. for a region affected by the ongoing conflict, particularly in Gaza,” the UN agency said.
Expand delivery
The Humanitarian Bridge Initiative is a coordinated effort between the WHO offices in Cyprus and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Is designed to enable timely, scalable and efficient delivery of essential health products to the Gaza Strip by sea under the framework of Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023)which called for the establishment of a UN mechanism to step up the provision of aid through countries that were not parties to the conflict there.
The Cypriot Government is taking the lead together with the UN 2720 mechanism team implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Together, They provide a neutral, transparent and internationally coordinated maritime corridor. for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Save time, reduce bottlenecks
“The mechanism further reinforces Cyprus’ role as a strategic humanitarian logistics point, taking advantage of its geographical proximity, approximately 370 kilometers from Gaza, and its position within the European Union’s single market to facilitate the rapid mobilization and shipment of critical supplies,” the WHO said.
Furthermore, “by complementing existing humanitarian corridors for Gaza and diversifying supply routes, the initiative has the potential to significantly reduce delivery times and mitigate operational bottlenecks that have limited humanitarian access in the past.”
Looking ahead, WHO said the bridge initiative will continue to support strategic positioning, consolidation and rapid delivery of essential supplies, thereby strengthening the agency’s operational preparedness for Gaza, as well as for health emergencies and disasters across the region.