The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos to discuss cooperation between the United States and Cyprus to bring urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza through the humanitarian maritime corridor. Administrator Power expressed appreciation on behalf of USAID for the productive partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Cyprus.
The Administrator and Minister Kombos underscored the dire conditions in Gaza, and the urgent need for a safe operating environment within Gaza to facilitate the predictable distribution of aid. Administrator Power emphasized the importance of Hamas taking the ceasefire deal that would enable a surge in urgently needed humanitarian assistance and personnel, bring about a permanent end of hostilities, and secure the release of all hostages.
Administrator Power and Foreign Minister Kombos discussed the humanitarian maritime corridor, which has helped to facilitate the transportation of humanitarian assistance from Cyprus to Gaza, as well as ongoing efforts to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance through the Port of Ashdod.