The United Nations recognizes war crimes and crimes against humanity as the gravest violations of International Law, with no time limitations. These crimes are widespread globally, but in West Asia and North Africa, nearly every nation has suffered. Among them, the Palestinians have endured these atrocities longer than any other nation in the world.
My name is Salih, a political activist based in Cyprus, a country at the crossroads of this volatile region. Coming from a country that has also suffered war crimes and crimes against humanity, including settler colonialism, and situated next to Palestine, I have witnessed the devastating impact of such crimes, including what many recognize as genocide.
Cyprus After October 7, 2023
Cypriots have long demonstrated solidarity with Palestine due to historical and political ties. Following Israel’s recent aggression, Cypriots were quick to respond, with protests filling the streets of Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol. Unlike many European governments, the Cypriot government has not attempted to suppress pro-Palestinian protests. However, since the onset of the resistance, Israel’s influence in the country has grown, negatively impacting people’s privacy and security.
Pro-Palestinian activism in Cyprus can be categorized into three groups:
Resistance Supporters: Organizations like the Palestinian Women’s Union of Cyprus, which organized a pro-Palestinian protest just a week after October 7, and the Union of Cypriots were among the first to openly support Palestinian resistance.
Left-Leaning Groups: Some of these groups initially condemned the resistance but later joined the activism, often under the umbrella of United for Palestine.
Pancyprian Peace Council: Linked to the Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL), this group avoids supporting armed resistance but has organized solidarity protests with the Palestinian people, maintaining its ties with Fatah.
Emerging Pro-Israel Politics
For the first time, a pro-Israel political stance is developing in Cyprus, though still minor compared to Western Europe. Some political figures have publicly supported Israel, participating in sparsely attended counter-protests.
Activism: Digital and Physical
All three pro-Palestinian groups engage in both digital and physical activism, albeit separately. The Pancyprian Peace Council organized traditional rallies, while the Union of Cypriots condemned foreign bases on the island for aiding Israeli operations and actively participated in digital activism. United for Palestine primarily staged protests, mostly in Nicosia.
Security Concerns
Despite refraining from suppressing protests, the Cypriot government faces criticism for failing to protect citizens’ digital security. Since October 7, unusual online surveillance activities have been reported, allegedly linked to Israel. The Israeli ambassador admitted to such actions in Cyprus, raising questions about the government’s failure to safeguard citizens’ privacy and security.
