Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the British military base at Akrotiri, Cyprus on Sunday, protesting against Israeli actions in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and calling for the withdrawal of UK bases from the island.
The protest, organised by the Pancyprian Peace Council, saw participants marching from Akrotiri Environmental Centre to the base entrance, chanting slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine” and “Out with the Bases of Death”.
Peter Joseph, a council member, accused Israel of genocide and criticised the supportive roles of the US, UK, and EU in the conflict. He also alleged that the British base was being used for military flights to Israel.
AKEL party official Charis Karamanos accused Israel of “horrific war crimes” and criticised Western powers for their support of Israel.
In response, a spokesperson for the British Bases in Cyprus stated that “no flight of the Royal Air Force has transported deadly cargo to Israel”.
The spokesperson added that the UK is “deeply concerned” about escalating tensions in Lebanon and is calling for an immediate ceasefire.
