No cost to Cypriots until Great Sea Connector is operational
Cypriot consumers should not pay anything for the Great Sea Interconnector until the project is operational.
Israel
Israeli military intelligence head resigns over Oct. 7 failures
The head of Israeli military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has resigned after accepting responsibility for the failures that allowed the devastating Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
Oil ends week in negative territory, despite tensions
Fact: Despite escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, oil prices closed the week lower and are still below recent highs.
Supreme Leader Khamenei says Iran demonstrated its power against Israel
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei thanked the country’s armed forces for their attack on Israel, saying Iran demonstrated its power regardless of how many targets were hit. Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones in retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Damascus. The attack caused modest damage in Israel, with most missiles and drones shot down. Khamenei emphasized that Iran’s display of power was the main focus, not the number of hits. Iran also downplayed an Israeli attack on Isfahan, with no plans for retaliation to avoid escalating tensions. Khamenei urged military officials to continue innovating and learning enemy tactics.
Israel: “Netanyahu resign, elections now” – Wave of anger and mass protests
Thousands of people in various Israeli cities protested for the dismissal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Participants demanded early elections and showed support for the hostages, with some carrying Israeli flags and signs calling for their safe return. Opposition leaders like Yair Lapid and Dan Halutz joined the demonstrations, criticizing Netanyahu’s government and accusing him of prioritizing his rule over the hostages’ return.
Turkish channel reported that Erdogan’s visit to the US was canceled – The reason
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the US on May 9 to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House has been canceled, as reported by a Turkish channel. The reason for the cancellation was cited as US military aid to Israel, with a billion bill approved by the US House of Representatives.
Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he will oppose any sanctions imposed on Israeli military units for alleged rights violations. The United States is reportedly considering sanctions on Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the West Bank. The State Department has not confirmed these reports but has expressed concerns about human rights violations by Israeli military and police units. Netanyahu has vowed to fight against any sanctions on the IDF, while the Israeli military maintains that the battalion operates within the boundaries of international law.
Christodoulides: We cannot accept any more Syrian refugees
Cyprus cannot accept any more Syrian refugees.
Ino Afentouli: Cyprus’ solidarity towards Israel should not stop
Last week, the world saw Iran’s attack on Israel amidst ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the thin line between tension and conflict in the Middle East. Ino Afentouli, from Panteion University, emphasized that a regional conflict involving Iran and Israel would have adverse consequences for Cyprus and Greece. The conflict has halted economic cooperation and development plans in the region. Afentouli also mentioned that Cyprus could face increased migrant flows similar to those seen during the war in Syria. She emphasized the importance of solidarity with Israel for Cyprus and Greece, despite supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. The conflict could have significant impacts on Europe’s security and stability.
House passes $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid package, sends to Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a billion legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with bipartisan support. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to be considered next week. The legislation includes funding for conflict in Ukraine, humanitarian needs in Israel, and support for Taiwan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the aid, stating it will prevent the war from expanding and save lives. President Biden urged Congress to approve the aid, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Despite some opposition, the bill passed with strong support.