Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

Israeli tanks advanced into Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, while airstrikes targeted Rafah in the south. Tanks were trying to reach the heart of the camp, with tank shells and air strikes destroying houses. Israeli troops forced Palestinians in shelters to evacuate. In Rafah, heavy bombardments killed people, and the city remained a “ghost town”. Hamas fighters engaged in gun battles with Israeli forces in both areas. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,000, causing a humanitarian crisis. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Fire services rescue 19-year-old driver trapped in car (Update)

Fire services rescue 19-year-old driver trapped in car (Update)

A 19-year-old driver in Larnaca was trapped after deviating from his course and hitting road railings. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue equipment to extricate him and he was taken to the hospital with fractures, broken ribs, and a broken nose. The police are investigating the crash, with the driver testing negative for alcohol.

Who do we really trust in Cyprus?

Who do we really trust in Cyprus?

Fact: In 2010, an EU study stated that just three in 10,000 Cypriots ‘had no relatives’.

Death toll from floods in Brazil hits 113 as rain returns

Death toll from floods in Brazil hits 113 as rain returns

The death toll from historic floods in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul reached 113, with 146 people still unaccounted for.

Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

Israeli tanks captured the main road dividing the eastern and western halves of Rafah, encircling the entire eastern side of the city in the southern Gaza Strip. Residents reported intense fighting between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel ordered civilians out of the eastern half of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands to seek shelter outside the city. Israel believes there are thousands of Hamas fighters in Rafah and cannot win the war without assaulting the city. The Israeli military located tunnel shafts in eastern Rafah and fought at close quarters with Hamas fighters. Ceasefire talks broke up with no agreement to halt the fighting. Over 34,000 Gazans have been killed in the seven months of war.

The brutality of Easter

The brutality of Easter

Violent Easter traditions such as re-enactments of the crucifixion and resurrection, bonfires, and firecrackers have led to incidents of vandalism, riots, and injuries during the holiday. Despite increased police presence, youths were involved in throwing Molotov cocktails, firecrackers, and stones at authorities, damaging property, and causing chaos in various areas. The use of firecrackers and fireworks by individuals, including parents with children in the car, has raised concerns about societal violence spilling over into other areas.

Dance, performance art festival On Bodies returns

Dance, performance art festival On Bodies returns

The On Bodies Festival, organized by Dance House Lefkosia, is taking place in Nicosia from May 16 to 19. This year’s theme is Healing, focusing on treating wounds, overcoming trauma, and reaching a pain-free state. The festival features young, emerging, and established artists from Cyprus and abroad presenting their work in various venues. Atelier Healing: Becoming Well Again will include talks, workshops, and performative happenings throughout the festival.

National Addiction Authority plans , ‘One Stop’ support centre

National Addiction Authority plans , ‘One Stop’ support centre

The National Addiction Authority in Cyprus is aiming to offer support and shelter to people struggling with addiction and homelessness. The authority’s national strategy between 2021-2028 promotes and supports various harm reduction measures in Cyprus, including treatment programs across the country and prisons. International Harm Reduction Day on May 7 highlights the importance of reducing the risks associated with substance use disorder.

Plans for comprehensive harm reduction centre

Plans for comprehensive harm reduction centre

The President of the Cyprus Anti-Addiction Authority, Christos Minas, announced the goal of establishing a “one stop” center to provide services for homeless individuals, including supervised consumption rooms and sleeping quarters. The authority aims to expand harm reduction services in Cyprus and support individuals who are not yet ready to stop substance use. Through various measures outlined in the National Strategy 2021-2028, such as substitution therapy programs and distribution of harm reduction kits, the authority promotes harm reduction practices. Minas emphasizes that harm reduction is effective, economically efficient, and will continue to be a focus of the authority to protect all citizens affected by addiction.