In today’s episode, the new EU asylum and migration deal was slammed by left-wing party Akel, which has charged that the pact will cement the problem of refugees getting stuck in southern Mediterranean states – Cyprus included.

Meanwhile, security and logistical issues appeared to be at the forefront of ongoing delays in delivering the humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza, it emerged on Thursday, as the government continued to skirt providing clear answers over the matter.

Elsewhere, a 33-year-old man was sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Paphos criminal court for smuggling over 26 kilogrammes of cannabis into Cyprus.

All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.