Placards in support of Palestine were raised outside the Presidential Palace on Thursday evening as demonstrators voiced opposition to Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Cyprus.
The protest was organised by the Cyprus Peace Council, with several political and activist organisations taking part and a strong police presence maintained in the area.
Organisers criticise invitation
In a statement, the organisers said they opposed Herzog’s visit because it was taking place while military conflicts continued in the Middle East. They also criticised the government and President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides for inviting the Israeli president.
The Cyprus Peace Council further argued that Cyprus’s closer political ties with Israel were harming efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and raising concerns over the country’s security.
Heightened security measures
Police officers were deployed around the protest to manage traffic, while heightened security measures had been in place since the morning due to the Israeli president’s official visit.
