occupied

Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

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Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

The “All eyes on Rafah” campaign is gaining traction in Western Europe, Australia, and India, aiming to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,171 Palestinians. Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Rafah, prompting global attention and support for the residents seeking refuge from the violence. Social media, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has seen a massive outpouring of support with millions of users sharing the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The campaign has coincided with international condemnation of Israel following airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. Israeli military operations in Rafah have continued despite the heightened scrutiny and criticism.

President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

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President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the UN peacekeeping force regarding 13 migrants reported to be living in the buffer zone near the university grounds. The migrants are from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Cameroon and had come from the north after being denied entrance to the state-controlled areas. The UN peacekeeping force is working with UNCHR to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable migrants.

Migrants stranded in Cyprus buffer zone as asylum applications suspended

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Migrants stranded in Cyprus buffer zone as asylum applications suspended

Fourteen migrants are stranded in the buffer zone near the University of Cyprus campus in Aglantzia, unable to enter government-controlled areas due to the temporary suspension of asylum applications by the Republic of Cyprus. The group includes women and children from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran, with assistance being provided by the UNFICYP and UNHCR. Patrols have been increased along the buffer zone to deter migrant arrivals, resulting in a 95% decrease in arrivals by boat from Syria. Pushbacks in Lebanese waters have contributed to this decrease, but the Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants. The U.N. human rights office has reported gross human rights violations faced by Syrian refugees returning to Syria, including torture, abduction, sexual harassment, and violence. Pushbacks are measures used by states to force refugees and migrants out of their territory, circumventing international protection safeguards.

Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

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Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

The Israeli military has lifted a ban on the sale of food to Gaza from Israel and the occupied West Bank amid international aid choking as a result of the battlefield offensive. Gaza traders have been given permission to resume purchasing food such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers. The deliveries are vetted by the Israeli military at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, with only products for sale allowed and no charitable donations permitted. The flow of deliveries has been inconsistent, with prices often too high for cash-strapped families in Gaza.

Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Karapaşaoğlu jailed for defying call-up

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Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Karapaşaoğlu jailed for defying call-up

Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu was sentenced to three days in prison for refusing to pay a fine related to his mobilisation call. This is his second trial in the occupied north for defying the call-up, with his initial declaration of conscientious objection in 2013 leading to military court trials until 2019. Despite receiving a fine in 2019, his refusal to pay resulted in a 20-day prison sentence, later reduced to three nights and four days by a higher court. Critics, such as Murat Kanatlı, have condemned the ruling, pointing out the officials’ hypocrisy in advocating for human rights in European forums but failing to implement relevant ECHR decisions domestically. Karapaşaoğlu’s lawyer, Öncel Pili, has pledged to continue fighting for conscientious objector rights despite the imprisonment.

Mukhtar near disgraced monastery bewails loss of visitors

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Mukhtar near disgraced monastery bewails loss of visitors

Fterikoudes mukhtar Modestos Iacovou testified against Tamassos Bishop Isaias in a case brought by suspended monks of the Osiou Avakoum monastery. He stated that vehicles from the bishopric were loaded with icons from the monastery. The community council has asked for the monks to be brought back so the monastery can function normally. The community has supported the monastery and donated properties for its construction. Monks’ lawyers claim the investigation process against them is illegal.

“Anti-government” protests in occupied north gain momentum

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“Anti-government” protests in occupied north gain momentum

Animal producers in the occupied north are in the eighth day of their protests, supported by unions, civil society organizations, and political parties. The protests gained momentum despite a government decree postponing a planned strike by the Air Traffic Controllers’ Union. The producers are demanding affordable, domestic meat and criticizing the government for importing frozen meat. Union leaders accused the administration of neglecting the people’s needs and prioritizing special interests. The protesters are calling for the government to resign and are emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic producers and the economy.

Tatar knocking on doors in Brussels

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Tatar knocking on doors in Brussels

Ersin Tatar, the representative of occupying Turkey, is seeking “equal international status” with a European stamp for the breakaway regime in Cyprus. He wants meetings and visits abroad to be at the same level as those of President Christodoulides, aiming for full equality with the Republic of Cyprus. Despite efforts mainly in Brussels, Tatar has not been successful in getting the desired level of recognition. However, the Turkish side is finding more support in Turkish-speaking countries like Azerbaijan. The policy of recognizing two states in Cyprus is causing tension, with Ankara potentially resorting to blackmail if faced with an impasse. Turkey is not expected to make any moves before July and will likely wait until after the completion of the UN Special envoy’s mission.

Israel stops Spanish consulate from providing services to Palestinians

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Israel stops Spanish consulate from providing services to Palestinians

Israel is blocking the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank after Spain recognized Palestine. Israel accuses Spain, Ireland, and Norway of rewarding Hamas for attacking Israel. Spain’s Labour Minister used an expression that Israel sees as a call for its destruction. Spain is analyzing Israel’s decision to limit the consulate’s abilities to serve Palestinians.