Cyprus ready to help over crisis in Israel says president (updated)

By Iole Damaskinos and Jonathan Shkurko

President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday reiterated his deep concern regarding the unfolding situation in Israel, underlining the shock and sympathy felt by the whole of Cyprus.

Speaking to journalists, he highlighted the “urgent need to halt the ongoing crisis.”

He said during a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog, he informed the latter of Cyprus’ readiness to help, particularly in terms of health-related issues.

“Cypriot hospitals are ready to accommodate injured individuals if the need arises,” he said.

House president Annita Demetriou told Israel’s ambassador to Cyprus that she strongly condemns the “savagery” enacted against innocent people, unarmed civilians, girls and women.

The message must be clear, she said, emphasising: “zero tolerance for terrorism.”

Christodoulides added that he would hold discussions with the president of Egypt later in the day.

“Egypt has historically played a crucial role in such crises in the region and has the potential to contribute significantly to resolving the situation,” he said.

“We will discuss this issue and I hope that developments will be created that will allow us to be optimistic.

“The Republic of Cyprus has over time had excellent relations with all the neighbouring states and if we can play any role either on a humanitarian level or as an EU member state, we are ready to do so.”

Security measures on the island are continually evaluated, and further actions will be taken if deemed necessary, he said.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said the island was ready to activate the Estia plan if needed to evacuate foreign nationals from Israel.

If and when evacuation is required, as has happened in the past, “specific plans will be activated, such as the Estia plan, and accordingly the competent bodies of the government will be mobilised”.

Asked if the existing infrastructure in Cyprus is sufficient for the country to receive a number of people, the minister noted that there is sufficient infrastructure to use Cyprus as a transit station.

“We have responded recently, last summer. There is always a limit to where we can respond and we cannot know it in advance without knowing the sizes. But we are here, there is a willingness from the government, this is a given,” he added.

“At Larnaca airport both yesterday and today there were several emergency flights bound for Israel. In particular, today we expect 20 departures and 20 arrivals to the neighbouring country, of which 11 were scheduled in the last 24 hours,” senior director of aviation development and communication of Hermes Airports Maria Kouroupi told the Cyprus News Agency.

Meanwhile three departures and three arrivals to and from Paphos airport are also planned.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said ensuring Cyprus’ connectivity with Israel is of paramount importance for individuals seeking to leave or visit family.

“We are monitoring air connectivity and are very interested in ensuring the possibility that someone can travel to Israel and back.

“We are monitoring the situation to see if there is anything we can do to offer any help,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kouroupi said “both yesterday and today the flights arriving in Cyprus and those departing for Israel are full. Most of the [arriving] passengers are people who are either returning or coming to [shelter] in Cyprus, while the departing ones are mainly Israelis.”

She also noted that among arrivals from Israel, there seem to be nationals from the US and Canada, and other third countries.

When asked whether the Larnaca airport is equipped to be used as a transit station in case it is necessary to evacuate foreign nationals from Israel, Kouroupi replied in the affirmative.

“We are ready,” she said.

“The ministries of foreign affairs and transport we are already in communication and possible reception areas have already been prepared in case it is deemed necessary,” Kouroupi said.

The ports authority said that Larnaca and Limassol’s ports are equipped and prepared to deal with any knock-one effects from the conflict.

It stated that they are fully prepared to implement the plans drawn up for such situations, adding that they have been in close communication with the foreign ministry should emergency arrivals require assistance.

A cruise ship bound for Israel docked at Limassol port on Sunday, while a second followed on Monday, port manager Panayiotis Agathocleous told Ant1 TV station. A third was expected during the week, he said.

“We are ready to offer all assistance,” Agathocleous said.

Many of those evacuating Israel are believed to be overseas sports players, while the Macabi Tel Aviv basketball team’s foreign players arrived in Cyprus late on Sunday with the rest of the team expected to join them in a few days.

Meanwhile, the Cyprus News Agency reported that five local patients currently being treated in Israel and their families are doing well.

In addition, one of the three groups in Israel for pilgrimage tourism, numbering about 300 people, arrived on Sunday night in Cyprus, while the second group will depart from Tel Aviv on Monday.

Bishop Nektarios of Kiti, who is in Tel Aviv for a religious conference, will remain in Israel until Wednesday.