“The strong friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Israel and their peoples are vital pillars of stability, security and hope in the region,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, following a brief visit to Cyprus, where he was booed by hundreds of demonstrators on Thursday.

In a post on X, Herzog thanked President Nikos Christodoulides for his “steadfast friendship and the warm and productive discussion we shared.”

The two, he said, “spoke about the issue that is of the highest priority – bringing home the hostages being cruelly held by Hamas in Gaza – as well as the latest regional challenges and the humanitarian efforts in Gaza.”

“I deeply value the partnership we share and look forward to continuing to work together for a brighter future,” he added.

Later on Friday, United for Palestine Nicosia issued a press release condemning the visit and saying Herzog was “a leading figure of a country facing charges of genocide.”

It also said Cyprus voted in favour of a UN resolution calling for the immediate cessation of military activities, inter alia, however in the meantime it “continues to normalise relations with Israel by hosting its president and purchasing the Israeli-made military equipment, the Barak-MX Air Defence System, among others.”

“It is unacceptable for Cyprus to support and profit from a regime responsible for such atrocities, while pledging allegiance to international human rights law,” the organisation said.

United for Palestine participated in Thursday’s protest.