Newsroom
Cyprus has defended its controversial decision not to back a European Union proposal to review its agreement with Israel, a move aimed at pressuring Tel Aviv to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
While 17 EU countries supported the proposal earlier this week, Cyprus held back. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos explained on Wednesday that the issue wasn't with the substance but with the process.
“There wasn’t actually a vote,” Kombos said from Brussels after the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. “The decision was made solely by the EU’s High Representative, who first heard our opinions. Cyprus’s concern wasn’t the content, but whether this move would lead to anything useful, especially without EU experts on the ground in Gaza.”
In short, Cyprus is worried that any official report on Israel’s role in blocking aid would get stuck in red tape and fail to pass through the European Commission unanimously, which, according to Kombos, would ultimately weaken the EU’s credibility.
“We find the humanitarian situation in Gaza tragic and unacceptable,” he said. “There must be a shift in Israel’s position and a large-scale flow of aid. But we need to push for that in ways that actually work.”
Kombos emphasized that Cyprus hasn't changed its stance on the suffering in Gaza and pointed to President Christodoulides' recent visit to Ramallah as proof that Nicosia is engaging with the Palestinian Authority.
Still, critics have questioned how this fits with Cyprus’s much-publicized “Amalthea” maritime humanitarian corridor, a sea route meant to send aid to Gaza from the island.
According to Kombos, there’s been interest in using the corridor in the last two days. But he said Cyprus wants to see a “clear plan” and specific details from Israel about how such aid would be handled on the ground.
He also warned against burning diplomatic bridges too quickly. “If we cut off communication, what leverage will the EU have left?” he asked, referring to previous direct talks with Israel’s Foreign Minister.
Pressed on timing, Kombos acknowledged that recent talks on hostages, ceasefires, and aid have made some progress, “but not enough, and not fast enough.” He insisted Cyprus’s move was “a position within a discussion, not a vote,” and shouldn’t be seen as a retreat from principle.
Beyond the Middle East, the Foreign Minister also spoke about Cyprus’s involvement in EU-African relations. During the EU-AU Ministerial Meeting, Kombos stressed the importance of peace, security, and investment in Africa, calling it a priority ahead of Cyprus’s upcoming EU Council Presidency in 2026.
He mentioned that Cyprus is providing development assistance, scholarships, and medical supplies to African countries, part of a broader diplomatic push.
