The president of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed the hope that the maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza will significantly increase the amount of aid reaching the residents of the area.
The statement was made on the occasion of the departure of the first humanitarian aid ship from the port of Larnaca in Cyprus on March 12, 2024.
Its president European Commission began her speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg by referring to the ship that sailed from Larnaca bound for Gauze and the maritime humanitarian corridor in Cyprus.
“This maritime corridor is the result of unprecedented international cooperation, under the leadership of President Nikos Christodoulides. We have worked hand in hand not only with Cyprus, but also with the United Arab Emirates, the United States and the United Kingdom. I was at the port of Larnaca a few days ago to watch the final preparations before the ship’s departure,” noted Ursula von der Leyen.
The situation in Gaza has come to a tipping point.
All routes must be used to reach people in need.
This is where the Cyprus maritime corridor comes into play.
The EU will have a coordination team in Cyprus and will finance and steer the flow of goods.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 12, 2024
The first time a ship has been authorized to deliver aid to Gaza since 2005
She stressed that when the maritime humanitarian corridor is fully operational, it “could guarantee a continuous and strong flow of aid to Gaza” noting that this is the first time a ship has been authorized to deliver aid to Gaza since 2005.
The president of the European Commission underlined that “the situation on the ground is more dramatic than ever and has reached a tipping point” and “everything in our power” must be done to stop it. As he mentioned, all routes must be used to get help to those in need.
“This is where the maritime corridor comes into play. It can help increase the amount of aid that reaches Gaza effectively,” explained the Commission president, adding that “the United States will now work to establish a port.” He added that until it is ready, smaller ships will be used, while the UAE and other partners will co-finance the cargoes.
“Cyprus will manage the departures at the port of Larnaca and we, the European Union, will strengthen our on-site logistical support. An EU coordination team is in Cyprus,” noted Ursula von der Leyen.
The war in Gaza could spread throughout the region
At the same time, several countries, including some member states, have started providing humanitarian aid from the air, he said, adding that the EU’s civil protection mechanism had been activated.
According to iefimerida, the president of the European Commission also stressed that the EU is ready to respond with additional sanctions “in the event that Iran proceeds with the supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, as recently reported.”
“Without a sustainable ceasefire, the expansion of the war in Gaza could spread throughout the region. It is time to redouble our efforts together with member states so that all the hostages can return home and the people of Gaza can receive not only humanitarian aid, but also a ray of hope towards a two-state solution,” he stressed.
Finally, Ursula von der Leyen stated that the Commission will decide today to recommend to the Council the start of accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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