Apostolos Tomaras
Information surrounding the recent arrests of two Palestinians by Cypriot police is emerging only in dribs and drabs, with authorities revealing very little about the case.
The discovery of what authorities believe are two Hamas members, based on statements allegedly made by one of the suspects during questioning, has created concerns not only for law enforcement agencies but also at the political level.
With the fallout from the recent attack on the British military base at Akrotiri still fresh, officials are worried that renewed security concerns could once again disrupt the sense of stability that has gradually been returning to key tourism markets ahead of the summer season.
Since the two suspects were detained and placed in custody, efforts have reportedly been made to keep the case low-profile. Police and government sources have largely shut down the flow of information, repeatedly responding with "no comment" to inquiries from journalists.
That approach appears to stem from the widespread attention generated by the Akrotiri incident, which is believed to have contributed to a significant drop in tourist arrivals, particularly during March. Nicosia is said to be especially focused on Greece and other European markets, hoping to avoid a repeat of the intense negative publicity that could undermine confidence among visitors at a time when the tourism industry is looking to recover losses suffered in recent months.
Police cooperating with Greece
So far, both the government and police have limited their public comments to stating that investigations into the two Palestinian suspects remain ongoing.
As the case has expanded, including the recent arrest of another Palestinian in Crete by Greek authorities, Cyprus police have confirmed they are in contact and cooperating with their Greek counterparts.
According to reports in the Greek media, the arrest in Crete came after information was shared by Cypriot authorities. Those reports claim that one of the suspects arrested in the Kamaras area told investigators he had links with a fellow Palestinian living in Crete.
Mossad tip-off
The investigation is believed to have begun after Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, alerted authorities in Nicosia early last month about a suspected Hamas network.
The information provided by Israeli intelligence was subsequently examined by Cypriot authorities and is understood to have led to the arrests of two Palestinians, one who allegedly entered the Republic illegally through the occupied north and was living in the Governor's Beach area and another who was located in the Kamaras area.
Ammonium nitrate reports
Both suspects are believed to have received training in the construction of explosive devices while in Malaysia.
According to unconfirmed media reports, investigators also found an unspecified quantity of ammonium nitrate in the possession of one of the suspects. Ammonium nitrate can be used in the manufacture of explosives when combined with other substances.
If confirmed, investigators may be able to draw parallels with an earlier high-profile case involving the discovery of a large quantity of ammonium nitrate in Larnaca. In that case, court proceedings heard that the individual involved was also a Hamas member and that the material was allegedly intended for use in an attack against Israeli targets.
The latest arrests come at a particularly sensitive time for Cyprus, as authorities seek to balance heightened regional security concerns linked to the war in the Middle East with efforts to protect the island's reputation as a safe tourist destination during the peak summer season.
