EC chief to inspect Gaza aid facilities
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has the support of the European People’s Party for a second term, will inspect Larnaca port facilities prepared for the Gaza aid maritime corridor. She will be hosted by President Nikos Christodoulides in Cyprus, where they will visit the port to inspect facilities for the humanitarian corridor to Gaza, including the dock, storages, and an X-ray mobile scanning machine. They will also visit the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Larnaca. Von der Leyen discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza with Christodoulides, emphasizing the need for swift action and humanitarian aid access. The EU Commission supports Cyprus’ maritime corridor initiative, recognizing its value in delivering aid to Gaza. Cyprus has designed this corridor to deliver high volumes of aid to Gaza, with increased interest from regional states, EU member states, and institutions. The initiative aims solely at providing humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population, amidst a significant humanitarian crisis.