Cyprus plays a significant role in coordinating the international effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, two US government officials said Wednesday.
Daniel Dieckhaus, Response Director at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, Deputy Commander of the United States Central Command, briefed journalists from various countries on the progress of creating a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza.
Beyond offering critical infrastructure such as ports and storage spaces, the two American officials stated that Cyprus ensures that all parties involved in the operation stay “on the same page.”
They both clarified that the US involvement and the construction of the pier aim to enhance, not replace, current efforts to scale up humanitarian aid delivery.
They emphasised that the construction involving the US military is temporary and solely for humanitarian aid transfer, underscoring coordination with the Palestinian Authority.
Responding to a question from Phileleftheros about Cyprus’s contribution, Dan Dieckhaus mentioned the island’s efforts, including facilitating the use of its port facilities. He also noted its assistance in supply and the organisational function of a multinational core.
Dieckhaus further stated that Cyprus leads the coordination of various entities, including not just the US but also the UK, the EU, and the United Arab Emirates. “There are many other countries that are involved, so Cyprus is helping – coordinating, getting everyone on the same page, on the same schedule,” he added.
Regarding the role of the European Union, Dieckhaus replied that there is “close collaboration with the EU.” He added that they are actively participating in this corridor and that this engagement is expected to continue. Discussions with the EU and other donors are ongoing as “we expect the overall participation and volume of assistance only to increase as we get this going.”
Cooper expressed gratitude to the Cypriot government for its leadership initiative and support for the overall operation. This “would not be possible without them,” he said, adding that “there has been excellent coordination across the board with all international partners enabled by Cyprus.”
The American officials also discussed the construction of a pier on the Gaza coast, stating that it would be completed within days, fully activating the maritime corridor. They explained that humanitarian aid and goods from the US and other countries are currently arriving in Cyprus for inspection before being loaded onto ships bound for Gaza via the maritime corridor.
From there, humanitarian organisations will take over the distribution process. “We continue working to ensure lifesaving assistance reaches civilians in need,” they said, emphasising that this aid will be transported through all available routes—sea, land, and air.
Aid for the people of Gaza
Cooper discussed the construction of the pier, which he explained would be ready within days. The floating section’s construction was completed last week, and it will be secured to the Gaza coast shortly, enabling the mass transfer of aid to Palestinians in the enclave.
The Vice Admiral clarified that the pier would be used exclusively for delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He also emphasised that the maritime route is additional and will not replace the land routes to Gaza.
He was explicit about the collaboration with the United Nations, and he assured that no American military boots would step foot in Gaza.
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(Picture: REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
