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Foreign ministers

Cyprus and Austria Unite in Call for Humanitarian Aid and Ceasefire in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Austria, Constantinos Kombos and Beate Meinl-Reisinger, respectively, have reaffirmed their commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and working towards a cease-fire in the region. Following a meeting in Nicosia, the two ministers expressed their shared concern over the unacceptable humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and exclusion of Hamas from Gaza's political future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Amalthea plan, a humanitarian aid initiative through Cyprus, aims to send aid to Gaza, with 1,200 tonnes already ready to be shipped out.
  • Discussions on Gaza aid were put on hold due to regional fighting, but Cyprus stands ready to cooperate with the UN and other organizations.
  • The EU should become more involved in the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the EU serving as a complementary corridor to Gaza.
  • The two ministers agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and exclusion of Hamas from Gaza's political future.
  • Cyprus has served as a safe port for evacuations and repatriations, bringing out over 3,000 people, including 53 Cypriots.
  • Austria has facilitated the repatriation of 100 Austrians from Iran and 300 from Israel via Larnaca.
  • Cyprus-Austrian bilateral relations are excellent and can be further improved in areas such as trade, tourism, investments, culture, migration, and defense.
  • Cyprus will act as a bridge between the EU and the Middle East during its EU rotating presidency in the first half of 2026, focusing on crisis management, prevention, migration, and connectivity.
  • Migration to Cyprus has not increased amid the crisis in the Middle East.
  • Austria supports a unified Cyprus, with Meinl-Reisinger stating, "There cannot be ideas for a solution of two states here."
  • Meinl-Reisinger highlighted Austria's significant contribution to UNFICYP, with 17,000 soldiers serving and 16 dying on the island.

Statistics:

  • 1,200 tonnes of humanitarian aid ready to be shipped out to Gaza through the Amalthea plan.
  • Over 3,000 people have been brought out of the warzone via Cyprus, including 53 Cypriots.
  • 100 Austrians were repatriated from Iran and 300 from Israel via Larnaca.
  • 17,000 Austrian soldiers have served in UNFICYP.
  • 16 Austrian soldiers died on the island.

Sources:

  • An anonymous quote cited in the article mentioning Austria's support for a unified Cyprus.
  • The text itself.

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