Foreign ministry ‘devasted’ by deaths in Gaza

Cyprus’ foreign ministry said on Friday it was “devasted by the many lives tragically lost” amongst civilians in Gaza who were trying to get humanitarian aid.

Gaza health authorities said Israeli forces had killed more than 100 Palestinians trying to reach a relief convoy near Gaza City early on Thursday.

Cyprus did not condemn the incident. 

“Devastated by the many lives tragically lost amongst Gaza civilians trying to get humanitarian aid. Our condolences to the victims’ families,” the foreign ministry said on X.

“Safe and unimpeded access to increased humanitarian assistance is more than urgent.”

It added that civilians must be always protected in line with the international humanitarian law.

There have been growing calls for an independent inquiry into the deaths, which Israel blamed on crowds that rushed around aid trucks – ostensibly due to the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding on the ground.

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced “deep indignation” and the “strongest condemnation of these shootings”.