Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has urged restraint amid escalating Middle East tensions, following separate phone calls with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Christodoulides expressed strong concern over the rising tensions, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further destabilization and wider regional repercussions.
The tensions have been escalating between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah since explosions killed 39 and injured thousands of Hezbollah members, and an Israeli airstrike killed 31 people, including 16 Hezbollah members. Christodoulides stressed the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, within the framework of UN resolutions and international law.
Cyprus, strategically located as the closest European Union member state to the Middle East, has maintained good relations with both Lebanon and Israel. The country is willing to facilitate diplomacy and communication between the sides, leveraging its excellent regional relationships. Earlier this year, Cyprus played a crucial role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and has offered to assist in evacuating civilians if tensions escalate.
This development comes as the international community calls for calm and restraint in the region. The United Nations has warned of a “cycle of violence” risking grave repercussions in Yemen and the region. With Cyprus positioning itself as a conduit for diplomacy, the international community awaits the response from Lebanon and Israel.
