The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Tel Aviv has been on alert, as is normal, since Saturday, when the Hamas attack against Israel took place, as stated by the Cyprus Ambassador to Israel Kornelios Korneliou.
“It was a very difficult day which started very early with the first wave of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israel. This situation continued until late,” Ambassador Korneliou said in an interview with CBC from Tel Aviv.
Regarding the Cypriots in Israel, Korneliou explained that there happened to be a few dozen Cypriots in the country either for medical, tourist, or other reasons, such as some who went to Israel for Bruno Mars’ concert – which was eventually canceled due to the situation – while there were another 300 or so Cypriots who were in Israel for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
He also noted that the Embassy was contacted by several Cypriots who wanted to know whether the airport is still operating and whether there are flights to Cyprus, how to get to the airport, etc. “There was a situation yesterday that was difficult for all of us, therefore they were contacting us to get information on how to proceed so as not to be in danger,” he said.
Asked if there were or are any Cypriots near the border with the Gaza Strip where the major clashes took place, Korneliou replied negatively, saying that he had also had communication on the issue with the Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the Palestinian Authority and that no worrying information was received from that side either.
He also noted that the situation at the moment in Tel Aviv remains relatively normal, although yesterday, he said, particularly in the southern part of Tel Aviv, one could feel what was happening. “We have Embassy staff living in southern Tel Aviv. They could see the rockets, Israel’s air defense system intercepting rockets,” he concluded.
