Building permits on the rise in February
The number of building permits in Cyprus rose to 706 in February, up from just below 600 each in January and December.
residential buildings
Cyprus building permits up , — value reaches €470.19 million
Cyprus’ construction sector has shown significant growth in early 2024, with an increase in building permits issued. In February alone, 706 permits were granted, contributing to a total of 1,293 permits in the January-February period. This represents a 13.1% increase compared to the previous year. The total value of permits increased by 16.9%, with a total area increase of 14.3%. The economic value of permits reached €248.9 million in February and €470.19 million over the two months. Residential building permits rose by 8.6% and non-residential buildings saw notable growth as well. Civil engineering projects had a significant increase in permits issued.
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.
Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy building at Columbia University
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied a building at Columbia University, escalating a battle with administrators who have begun suspending students for refusing to dismantle tents set up on the New York campus. The activists entered Hamilton Hall, hung a banner reading “Hind’s Hall,” and blocked the doors with outdoor tables. The protesters stated the building was liberated in honor of Hind, a six-year-old Palestinian child, who was killed in Gaza by Israeli forces funded by Columbia University. Police arrived outside the school gates but did not enter the campus unless someone was injured. The university limited access to the campus to students residing in residential buildings and essential employees. The crackdown at Columbia occurred after negotiations failed to end the protest camp set up in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Similar protests and arrests also took place at other universities across the U.S.
Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents
Israeli tanks re-entered parts of northern Gaza and carried out air strikes on Rafah, killing and injuring several people. Tanks surrounded schools where displaced families were seeking refuge, ordering evacuations and detaining men. The Israeli military continued operations in central Gaza, targeting gunmen and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israel is still imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite some claims of increased aid flows. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October.
EU adopts rules on upgrading buildings
The European Commission adopted the Energy Performance of Buildings Directives, which require member states to reduce emissions and energy consumption in buildings across the EU. By 2030, all G-class buildings must be upgraded to an F rating.
Record floods in Russia, ’s Urals triggered by melting snow
Fact: More than 10,400 homes across Russia have been flooded due to swiftly melting snow triggering the worst recorded flooding in Russia’s Ural Mountains.
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.