The EU will have a coordination team in Cyprus and will finance and steer the flow of goods to Gaza, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said today while addressing the European Parliament plenary session, in Strasbourg.

She noted that the situation in Gaza is more dramatic than ever, thus all routes must be used to reach people in need. “This is where the maritime corridor comes into play,” she continued and added that “as we speak, a ship is setting sail from Cyprus to northern Gaza.” Von der Leyen explained that the ship carries “plain and simple food for a population that faces a humanitarian catastrophe.”

The President of the Commission underlined that the maritime corridor “is the result of unprecedented cooperation and of the leadership of the President Nikos Christodoulides” and a result of the Commission’s cooperation with Cyprus, the UAE, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Having witnessed the final preparation before the ship’s departure from Larnaca, a few days ago, Von der Leyen noted that “it is as impressive as it is needed” adding that "when fully operational this maritime corridor could guarantee a sustained regulated and robust flow of aid to Gaza."

“This is the first time a ship is authorised to deliver aid to Gaza since 2005” the Commission President remarked.

She also underlined that “aid alone will not solve the crisis” and that “the people of Gaza need an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire.”