MVP

Tag: Israel

  • Concerns Mount Over US Warplane Activity in Cypriot Airspace

    Concerns Mount Over US Warplane Activity in Cypriot Airspace

    us warplane — Concerns have been raised regarding the ‘unusual movements’ of a US warplane in Cypriot airspace. The aircraft, a Boeing C-17 belonging to the United States Air Force, was observed taking off from Paphos airport on Tuesday, shortly before landing at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport less than an hour later.

    A coalition of non-governmental organisations in Cyprus, including activist group Afoa and pro-Palestine entities such as BDS Cyprus, Genocide-Free Cyprus, and United for Palestine Cyprus, has alleged that the island is being used as a stopover point for transporting unknown cargo and personnel from the US Al Udeid airbase in Qatar to Israel.

    The aircraft has been seen making multiple trips between Al Udeid and Israel, with its transponder turned off on several occasions. This has left observers unable to track its exact location, raising suspicions about its operations. One such incident led the organisations to question whether the plane actually landed in Paphos or diverted to the nearby Mari naval base, although this is deemed unlikely as the C-17 cannot land at Mari.

    After reappearing on radar an hour later, the C-17 was again recorded en route to Israel. Following its departure from Israel, flight data suggested the aircraft conducted what the groups referred to as a “phantom landing” in Cyprus. This tactic, they claim, involved flying at low altitude near an airport to create the illusion of landing, while actually maintaining a direct flight path between the US base and Israel.

    The organisations noted that the altitude readings of the C-17 never dropped to zero, further indicating that it did not land in Paphos but merely passed over the region. They expressed scepticism regarding the nature of the flights, asserting that they were “almost certainly not related to humanitarian aid.” They argued that a US military cargo aircraft would not undertake such clandestine journeys if its purpose were truly humanitarian.

    The cloak of secrecy surrounding the C-17’s movements has led these groups to conclude that military aid is being transported through Cypriot facilities. They contend that by allowing such flights and enabling operations from the island to assist the US and Israel, the Cypriot government has effectively compromised its sovereignty, transforming the island into an unwitting accomplice in alleged acts of violence.

    In their statement, they claimed, “by permitting such flights and enabling operations from the island to aid the US and Israel, the Cypriot government has effectively abdicated its sovereignty, turning the island into a silent accomplice in genocide.” This assertion adds a complex layer to the geopolitical dynamics involving Cyprus, the US, and Israel, as local organisations push for transparency and accountability regarding military operations in the region.

  • International Outcry Over Israel’s E1 Settlement Plans

    International Outcry Over Israel’s E1 Settlement Plans

    Foreign ministers from various European nations, along with Australia and the UK, have condemned Israel’s new settlement plans, particularly the controversial E1 project, which threatens to significantly alter the landscape of East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

    The E1 settlement initiative, which has received backing from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and was approved by a defence ministry planning commission, aims to construct new settlements east of Jerusalem. This development has raised serious concerns among international leaders, as it would effectively bisect the West Bank and hinder the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state.

    In a joint statement released on Friday, foreign ministers from countries including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, and others expressed their disapproval, stating, “The decision by the Israeli higher planning committee to approve plans for settlement construction in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, is unacceptable and a violation of international law.” They called for an immediate reversal of the decision, emphasising the potential ramifications for peace in the region.

    EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas, who also serves as the vice-president of the European Commission, joined the chorus of condemnation, reinforcing the collective stance of the international community against the E1 project. The ministers warned that this settlement plan could severely obstruct the possibility of a two-state solution, arguing that it would divide any prospective Palestinian state and limit Palestinian access to Jerusalem.

    Israel responded swiftly to the international criticism, with its Foreign Ministry dismissing the statement as an attempt to impose foreign dictates. They reiterated Israel’s historical claim to the land, stating, “The historic right of Jews to live anywhere in the Land of Israel – the birthplace of the Jewish people – is indisputable.” The ministry further contended that Israel’s actions were in accordance with international law, asserting that the Jewish people are the indigenous people of the region.

    The E1 settlement plan has been a point of contention for years, with significant international opposition. Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has expanded its settlements in the West Bank, resulting in approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers now residing among 2.7 million Palestinians in the area. The ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza has further complicated the situation, with tensions remaining high.

    As the international community watches closely, the future of the E1 project remains uncertain. The foreign ministers’ statement has highlighted a growing divide between Israel and many nations who are advocating for peace and stability in the region.

  • Near-drowning — Four-Year-Old Boy Airlifted to Israel Following Near-Drowning at Paphos Hotel Pool

    Near-drowning — Four-Year-Old Boy Airlifted to Israel Following Near-Drowning at Paphos Hotel Pool

    near-drowning — A four-year-old boy has been airlifted to Israel in critical condition after a near-drowning incident at a hotel pool in Paphos on 20 August. The child, an Israeli national, was initially treated at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, where he remained on life support.

    The incident took place shortly after the boy and his family arrived in Paphos for a holiday. According to police reports, the family, consisting of the mother and two children, had just checked into their hotel in the Chlorakas area and decided to head to the pool while their accommodation was being prepared.

    It was a swimmer who first noticed the boy at the bottom of the pool and quickly brought him to the surface. Lifeguards and the child’s mother attempted to administer first aid, but the boy remained unconscious. Emergency services were called and transported him to Paphos Hospital.

    Upon arrival at Paphos Hospital, medical staff assessed the situation and determined that the child required immediate transfer to a specialist unit at Makarios Hospital. Following intubation, he was moved by ambulance to the capital for further treatment.

    The mother of the child, aged 51, informed police that her son had been playing in the shallow end of the pool under her supervision. She had turned her attention to her younger child when the four-year-old apparently wandered into the deeper section of the pool.

  • Gaza Aid Ship Circles Off Israeli Coast Amid Monitoring by Government

    Gaza Aid Ship Circles Off Israeli Coast Amid Monitoring by Government

    gaza aid — The government is closely monitoring the situation regarding a ship loaded with 1,200 tonnes of aid, which is currently circling off the coast of Israel. Presidential press office director Victor Papadopoulos confirmed the government’s awareness of the complexities surrounding the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

    Speaking on CyBC radio, Papadopoulos expressed hope that “any problems which exist will be overcome” and assured that the aid would eventually reach those in need in Gaza. He emphasised the importance of safety for the individuals involved in delivering this much-needed support.

    The Panamanian-flagged vessel, named the Henke, departed from Cyprus earlier in the week, carrying primarily food items aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of children. The foreign ministry had previously stated its commitment to ensuring an increased, safe, and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.

    As the ship awaits clearance, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to take control of Gaza City, coinciding with negotiations for the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the coordinated attacks on October 7, 2023.

    IDF chief Eyal Zamir confirmed ongoing military operations, stating, “We already have troops operating on the outskirts of the city, and more forces will join them later on.” This military escalation raises concerns about the safety of civilians and aid workers in the region.

    The situation on the ground is dire, with a member of the Reviving Gaza aid project describing the humanitarian conditions as “indescribable”. She recounted her family’s displacement, stating they have been forced to move upwards of ten times. The risks faced by civilians seeking aid are immense, with reports of fatalities at distribution points due to IDF actions.

    “People go there knowing that they are risking their lives, but they have no choice, because their children or their mothers are asking for food,” she explained. The urgency of the situation has left many in Gaza with little recourse but to seek aid despite the dangers.

    The Henke’s journey was initially seen as a vital step in alleviating the suffering of the civilian population. UN Office for Project Services executive director Jorge Moreira da Silva highlighted the need for a “rapid, unhindered, and safe flow of humanitarian aid for all civilians in need.” However, the anticipated unloading of the ship’s cargo has yet to occur, leaving many in Gaza without immediate relief.

  • Paphos hotel — Four-Year-Old Child in Critical Condition Following Paphos Hotel Pool Incident

    Paphos hotel — Four-Year-Old Child in Critical Condition Following Paphos Hotel Pool Incident

    paphos hotel — paphos hotel — A four-year-old child from Israel is in critical condition after being found unconscious in a hotel swimming pool in Paphos. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the child was discovered floating in the water at a resort in Chloraka during a family holiday.

    A woman, who was at the pool at the time, noticed the child and quickly jumped into action. She pulled the unconscious four-year-old from the pool and, along with the child’s mother and lifeguards, administered first aid while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

    Emergency medical personnel from Paphos Hospital responded promptly to the scene. Upon assessment, they determined that the child’s condition was serious enough to warrant an urgent transfer to Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, where specialised treatment could be provided.

    The child was intubated before being transported by ambulance to the capital. Currently, the four-year-old remains in the intensive care unit of Makarios Hospital, fighting for their life. As of now, authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.