Cyprus police keep eye on Israeli interests

Police in Cyprus are taking precautionary measures to secure Israeli interests on the island, after tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict spiraled out of control this week.

Following days of violence in the Middle East, police officers in the Republic of Cyprus were tasked with taking precautionary measures to protect Israeli interests, such as buildings or areas on the island.

The move came as the region was being rocked by violence over the past three days, with Palestinian militants firing rockets into Israel's commercial heartland and Israel keeping up a punishing bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Greek Cypriot media said officers in various districts were observing buildings of Israeli interests in an inconspicuous manner, while measures were also stepped up at Larnaca International Airport, a point of entry for Israeli tourists who visit the island.

According to Philenews, police said they were acting out of an abundance of caution but clarified there was no specific intelligence or information about any terror threats.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for a cessation of hostilities, warning that the conflict could only increase radicalization and extremism in the whole region.

“Out of respect for the spirit of Eid, I appeal for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in Gaza and Israel. Too many innocent civilians have already died,’ Guterres said.