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Cypriot authorities said Friday they allowed one of the ships from the international flotilla heading toward Gaza to dock in Larnaca after the crew requested permission to resupply and provide care for passengers with health problems.
Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the vessel, carrying 21 people from both EU and non-EU countries, entered Cyprus’ territorial waters earlier in the day and contacted officials to ask for docking rights.
“The Republic of Cyprus reacted immediately and responsibly, following the proper legal protocols,” Letymbiotis wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He said two passengers were reported to have chronic health conditions, which prompted authorities to speed up the docking process so medical checks could be carried out.
An ambulance was called to the port as a precaution, but nurses determined the passengers did not need hospital treatment. Officials also carried out identification, document, and security checks on all those onboard.
Cypriot authorities said they ensured basic needs were met for the passengers and provided consular assistance to those who requested it.
The flotilla’s movements have drawn international attention as activists attempt to break the blockade of Gaza, a highly sensitive issue that has triggered both support rallies and sharp criticism across the region.
