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In a move to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a three-ship convoy departed from Cyprus early Saturday, aiming to deliver 400 tons of essential food and supplies to the region. This initiative, organized by World Central Kitchen (WCK), marks the second such delivery amid growing concerns of a potential famine in Gaza.

The convoy is loaded with ready-to-eat food items, including rice, pasta, flour, legumes, canned vegetables, and proteins, sufficient to prepare over one million meals. Notably, the shipment also carries dates, a staple for breaking the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan, which concludes on April 8.

This initiative follows closely on the heels of the first successful delivery by WCK and its founder, celebrity chef José Andrés, which reached Gaza’s shores on March 16. With a commitment to continue these aid efforts, the organization is leveraging a sea corridor established by international donors to facilitate more efficient aid delivery to Gaza.

This convoy comes as the United Nations and the World Food Programme (WFP) have warned of an imminent threat of famine in northern Gaza. According to a recent WFP report, the entire population of Gaza is facing crisis levels of food insecurity, with a famine potentially occurring as early as this month. In response to the situation, President Biden announced earlier this month that the US would increase its aid deliveries through air and sea. Additionally, the White House is planning to construct a temporary port on the outskirts of Gaza to bolster these humanitarian efforts.