A vessel participating in the international Global Sumud Flotilla has remained docked at Larnaca port since Thursday evening after evading Israeli forces and entering Cypriot territorial waters, requesting resupply and humanitarian assistance.
The vessel, which departed from Spain and attempted to break the naval blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave, entered Cypriot territorial waters on Thursday afternoon.
The ship carries 21 people from various countries, including doctors, lawyers and activists, according to a Palestinian activist aboard the vessel.
Activists from 50 countries seek to break Gaza blockade
The Palestinian activist sent messages to the international community requesting solidarity.
“Our statement is that the Mediterranean must unite people and transform into a humanitarian corridor for those who managed to survive. Our mission was to break the blockade of Gaza. We have no weapons, but we have medicine and courage. We represent 50 countries, and as you know, they attacked us in international waters and abducted our colleagues. We want to communicate this message to the international community. We cannot simply sit and watch children being killed on a daily basis. What is happening is genocide,” he said, indicating the group wishes to return and attempt again to break Gaza’s naval blockade.
He added that they find themselves in a country like Cyprus that has suffered something similar.
“It too has suffered the loss of loved ones and homes. I know that Cyprus shows solidarity with Palestine. We are neighbours, only the Mediterranean separates us,” he said, emphasising that people have a duty to show solidarity with one another.
“No one is above the law. We came to Larnaca following the laws of the Republic of Cyprus. In contrast, what happened in international waters violates the laws”.
Cyprus provides water, food and medical aid to crew
The vessel with the 21 activists anchored at Larnaca port on Thursday around 10:30pm. Authorities provided water and food, as well as first aid to two of the passengers who were experiencing health problems.
Citizens gathered outside Larnaca port to express their solidarity with the activists. Among them were Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras, MP Giorgos Koukoumas, AKEL District Secretary Chrystalla Antoniou and President of the Cyprus Peace Council Tasos Kosteas.
The AKEL District Secretary told Phileleftheros they were informed that one of the vessels would arrive in Larnaca, and their presence aimed to show support and solidarity.
“The main reason we were there is our solidarity with the Palestinian people and our reaction to the genocide happening next to us, but also to the crime being committed by Israel. We are shocked as human beings to continuously learn about murders of children and civilians,” she said.
Government spokesman says authorities acted responsibly
Early on Friday morning, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that the Republic of Cyprus reacted “immediately and responsibly”, applying the protocols and procedures defined by legislation.
According to Letymbiotis, the competent services proceeded with identification, document and security checks, whilst an ambulance was called for precautionary reasons.
“The paramedics who examined the passengers judged that transport to hospital was not necessary,” he noted, adding that the Republic’s authorities ensured coverage of the passengers’ basic needs, whilst necessary assistance is being provided on consular matters and any requests from third-country nationals.
“The Republic of Cyprus acted from the first moment with the protection of human life and respect for international humanitarian law as guiding principles, consistently implementing its obligations arising from National and European legislation,” he concluded.
