Cyprus concern in event of Iranian attack
Fact: Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos expressed concern about a possible Iranian attack on Israel and the consequences it would have for Cyprus.
strikes
President convenes emergency meeting over Israel-Iran tensions
President Christodoulides convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the potential implications of a new flare-up in the Middle East region, particularly between Iran and Israel. The meeting focused on preventive measures, including security at airports and ports, in case of increased flows of Syrian refugees and potential threats to Cyprus. The Government clarified that the meeting was not out of concern but to evaluate data and exchange opinions on the situation. There is no differentiation in security measures, and the Government’s main goal is to prevent escalation in the region. President Christodoulides’ invitation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon is still under discussion.
Migration and Middle East crisis discussed in Security Council meeting
– The National Security Council convened to discuss developments in the Middle East and migration.
– No decisions were made to change security measures, but there was an evaluation of existing data.
– The government has no information about the possibility of strikes on Israeli targets in Cyprus.
– Due to the situation in the region, the entire region is under threat.
– A joint forced-return flight took place where 3,337 people were deported for living in Cyprus illegally.
– Cyprus’ police participated in the operation with Greek authorities and Frontex.
– The National Security Council constantly assesses data and exchanges views on major concerns.
– There are no news to be announced regarding Christodoulides’ invitation to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon.
– Christodoulides visited Lebanon to address migration and called for more EU support in tackling migration flows.
Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights
Lufthansa extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria. The region and the United States have been on alert for a retaliatory attack by Iran since April 1, when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.
Gaza aid shipments to resume soon, Cyprus says, as 1,000 tons of food await delivery
Aid shipments to Gaza from Cyprus are expected to resume soon following a pause in the project due to the killing of seven aid workers by Israel. The U.S. plans to set up a dock in Gaza for pre-screened aid deliveries with Israeli oversight. The devastated Palestinian enclave faces famine and disease after six months of conflict. The aid stored in Cyprus will be held until World Central Kitchen decides on next steps.
Ukraine strikes Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant power unit dome -Russian-installed staff
Ukraine attacked the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, causing no damage to the dome of the plant’s sixth power unit. A drone attack damaged a truck parked near the station’s canteen. Radiation levels at the plant remained unchanged after the strikes. The plant, controlled by Russia since March 2022, is near the front lines, with both Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of shelling the plant.
Israel launches strikes on eastern Lebanon after Hezbollah downs drone
Israel launched air strikes on eastern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure sites after Hezbollah downed an Israeli drone. The Israeli army struck a military complex and three other sites in Baalbek. The conflict has resulted in casualties and displaced populations on both sides. The U.S. and other countries are seeking a diplomatic resolution to the situation.
Senior doctors in England accept new pay offer and end strikes
Senior doctors in England have accepted an improved offer from the government on pay and conditions, easing pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).
London Tube drivers call off strikes planned in April and May
Train drivers on the London Underground have called off strikes planned on April 8 and May 4 in a dispute over working conditions. The ASLEF trade union, representing 96% of train drivers in Britain, received a proposal from London Underground management that resolves the key issues in the dispute. Strikes planned by ASLEF train drivers on Britain’s national rail network in a separate dispute are still set to go ahead on April 5, 6 and 8.
Russian drone attack kills four in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, cuts power supply
A Russian drone attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine killed four people and left 350,000 residents without power. The attack damaged residential buildings, a medical facility, and cars. Governor Oleh Synehubov reported three rescue workers were killed in a repeat strike. Ukraine’s military shot down 11 drones out of 20 launched at the country. Russia also targeted a solar power plant in Dnipropetrovsk region. Kharkiv has been a frequent target of Russian attacks, with recent incidents including an aerial bomb killing one person and a missile attack killing five.