Cyprus has activated contingency plans to evacuate Cypriot and foreign nationals from Lebanon and Israel, as regional tensions mount.
The country has the capacity to accommodate up to 7,000 people daily if mass evacuations become necessary, government sources said.
Cyprus’s immediate priority is the repatriation of approximately 100 of its own citizens, primarily from Lebanon, with evacuations coordinated with the Greek government expected to commence on Thursday, the foreign ministry said.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos told reporters after a National Security Council meeting that while airports in Beirut and Tel Aviv remain operational, Cyprus’s role would be largely supportive. However, the island stands ready to serve as an evacuation hub should the situation deteriorate.
“Our priority at this stage is the safety of Cyprus and Cypriot citizens in the region”, Kombos said, adding that one country had already formally requested assistance, with nine others seeking support in preliminary planning.
Officials said the Cypriot government has prepared both military and civilian aircraft for potential evacuation operations.
Amidst the crisis, Cypriot authorities are also bolstering preparations for potential increased migration flows, a long-standing concern that could be exacerbated by regional instability.
Kombos emphasised Cyprus’s humanitarian role, stating: “The Republic of Cyprus is not part of the problem but is contributing to the humanitarian efforts required at this time”.
Cyprus has been in contact with neighbouring states, the European Union, and the United States regarding the evolving situation, President Nikos Christodoulides said during the security meeting.
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