Cyprus at the forefront of Western efforts for Gaza

Cyprus is playing a pivotal role in Western efforts to deal with the crisis in the Middle East; its added value stemming not from its military power, but rather its geographic location, its membership in the European Union, and its excellent relations with all the regional actors.

The Cyprus-initiated joint multinational plan to open up a humanitarian aid corridor for Gaza is a welcome initiative embraced by the United States and the EU.

Nicosia drew up an operational plan, known as the Amalthea Initiative, which comes as a necessary response to the dire humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.

A maritime corridor, with Cyprus as its integral part, has broad support - from the EU and the US to the United Arab Emirates - but it's obviously a complex operation where not all the interests of the parties involved are necessarily identical.

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