‘British, US spy planes aiding Israel from Akrotiri’

British and US spy planes operating out of Akrotiri base are aiding Israel’s bombing of Gaza, Cyprus Peace Council (CPC) president Tassos Costeas said on Monday.

Speaking on CyBC radio following a peace demonstration against the use of the bases which was attended by hundreds of protesters on Sunday, Costeas sought to clarify and counter a statement by the UK defence ministry that the RAF had carried out no lethal aid to Israel.

“It is well published that spy planes and planes participating in electronic warfare operations lift off from Akrotiri and aid in the selection of targets by Israeli forces in Gaza,” Costeas said.

According to a report by Declassified UK over 30 military transport flights, operated by the RAF, have flown from RAF Akrotiri to Tel Aviv since the bombing of Gaza began.

Akrotiri has long been the staging post for British bombing campaigns in the Middle East and sits 180 miles from Tel Aviv with a flight time of 40 minutes.

The extent of US involvement from Akrotiri remains opaque with the UK ministry of defence having told the publication that it “does not comment on information about Allies’ operations”.

According to the source, one document released by US whistleblower Edward Snowden noted that American intelligence staff are required to dress as tourists around the bases because the UK has promised the Cyprus government that only British staff work there.

Costeas decried the Cyprus government’s lack of principled stance as evidenced by its failure to condemn the atrocities unfolding in Gaza, starting with its abstention in October from the UN security council vote calling for ceasefire.

“In various ways we see the Republic supporting the aggressor,” Costeas said.

Asked about the state sponsored humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza, the CPC head said the results were disappointing and not particularly tangible.

Countering the suggestion that spy plane operations out of Akrotiri were effectively aiding Israel in its capacity towards precision targeting of Hamas strongholds, thereby in fact saving Palestinian lives and avoiding a protracted war, Costeas said the proof was in the evident outcome.

“Over 22,000 Palestinians have been killed, the vast majority of whom are women and children. This is the result,” he said.

Meanwhile, a UK ministry of defence spokesman said on Sunday that British forces in Cyprus continue to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Early on Friday morning planes from Akrotiri joined in British bombing raids in Yemen, although the Cyprus government was quick to say it had no role in these attacks.

Following the raids, foreign ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis said that security in the region is constantly deteriorating and that the issue is being discussed with Cyprus’ regional and international partners and with the European Union.

The matter is expected to be brought up at the EU council of foreign ministers on January 22, he said.

Britain is not obliged to seek permission from Cyprus for operations out of Akrotiri under the terms of the bases’ presence on the island.

Demonstrators at Akrotiri said the bases are a destabilising force in the region and called for them to be closed down.

On Monday opposition party Akel said the government’s duty is to protect its people and ensure Cyprus “is not a co-actor in the bloodshed in Gaza”. It must demand Israel’s compliance with international law and UN resolutions, Akel added.

The party also warned of an increasingly dangerous situation “especially if we take into account what has come to light regarding Cyprus’ involvement in military operations and intelligence gathering”.

Foreign ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis said on Sunday evening that Cyprus “has no involvement or connection with the military operations against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen”.

In statements over the weekend, he added concerns over a retaliatory attack were an overreaction. For that to happen, there would have to be a broader regional conflict.