The arrival of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Cyprus is set to inaugurate the maritime humanitarian corridor from the island to Gaza, in a move seen as crucial not only for the needs of Gaza’s population but also for Cyprus’s role in the region.
According to Reuters, the aid dispatch could begin before Sunday’s Ramadan.
The Commission President’s visit today, particularly to Larnaca’s port—the departure point for the ships heading for the humanitarian corridor—bolsters reports that the first vessel carrying aid to Gaza is due to leave imminently.
The proposal’s realisation stems from extensive contacts and behind-the-scenes discussions led by President Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, who have championed this initiative amid significant critique and doubt.
In light of Ursula von der Leyen’s Cyprus visit, Eric Mamer, a spokesperson for the Commission, provided insights into the humanitarian corridor yesterday. Responding to queries, Mamer highlighted that the Commission’s role concerning the humanitarian sea corridor for Gaza’s aid “will be to supply it with all the necessary support for the Palestinians.”
Mamer, however, directed queries about today’s expected announcements to the Cypriot authorities, stating that the Commission President’s visit follows an invitation from Cyprus.
He said that the ongoing backstage processes since the corridor’s proposal by Cyprus in November, clarifying that the visit aims to review the groundwork laid by the Cypriot authorities and is not influenced by recent US statements. He acknowledged the project’s numerous challenges and its need for time to overcome these.
When pressed about the operational details of the corridor, Mamer requested patience, having already fielded similar questions from journalists.
Regarding the project’s timing, initiated in November during von der Leyen’s attendance at a Paris event, and the interim period’s lack of developments, especially in light of US interest, Mamer insisted that the absence of public updates is because “we do not do this work from the press room.”
Mamer assured, “I can confirm that it has nothing to do with any announcements from other parties,” underscoring that the visit follows extensive efforts by the Cypriot authorities and their partners, including the European Commission. He described the project as one fraught with “many obstacles, many significant difficulties,” which will “definitely develop over time.”
Regarding the Commission’s involvement, Mamer added, “Our role will certainly be to help supply the corridor with all the necessary assistance that can go through the corridor so that we can provide support to the Palestinians in Gaza.”
He also noted the importance of understanding that the announcement a few months ago didn’t mean immediate readiness. The necessity for extensive preparatory work for the project’s effectiveness was recognised early on, he explained.
“Now we are at the stage where we go to Cyprus to participate in the start of the project,” Mamer concluded, marking a significant step forward in the initiative.
(Picture by George Christophorou)
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