Germany sent a special forces team (KSK) to Cyprus on Tuesday to be at the ready if things escalate in between Israel and Palestine, the German news agency RND reported.

According to the news agency, their mission will be to help evacuate German citizens and diplomatic staff since commercial flights have been stopped.

The team is also specialised in dealing with freeing hostages.

Around 100,000 Israelis with German passports live in Israel, while according to information currently eight Germans are being held hostages.