**Protest Held Against Herzog Visit**
A demonstration occurred outside the presidential palace in Nicosia on Thursday afternoon, opposing the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Cyprus. Organized by the Cyprus Peace Council alongside various anti-war groups, the protest attracted a modest crowd of a few dozen participants who expressed their discontent with Herzog's presence, labeling the visit a “huge provocation.”
The protest was largely peaceful, with demonstrators gathering at the wall surrounding the presidential palace, where President Nikos Christodoulides was hosting Herzog. A small police presence was on site to ensure order, and no incidents were reported during the gathering.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held placards with messages such as “Complicit in genocide – resign” and “Stand up for Palestine.” During the demonstration, one of the speakers criticized the Cypriot government for welcoming Israeli leadership, stating, “Every time Cyprus rolls out the red carpet to welcome the political leadership of Israel, blood flows under our feet.” The speaker further condemned Herzog's visit, asserting that it undermines the sentiments of many Cypriots and disregards the ongoing issues in the region.
The organizers of the protest condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as its actions in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. They called on the public to join the demonstration to send a clear message that Herzog's visit was unwelcome. The sentiment expressed by the protesters highlighted a broader concern regarding Israel's military actions and their implications for international law and human rights.
Herzog's visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which led to significant military responses from Israel. The Israeli president's comments in the aftermath of these events have drawn considerable criticism. Herzog stated that the entire population of Gaza bore responsibility for the attacks, a remark that has been interpreted by some as incitement. This perspective was echoed in a recent UN special commission of inquiry, which noted that while Herzog's comments did not explicitly call for genocide, they could be seen as incitement given the context of Israel's military operations.
In response to the backlash, Herzog later clarified that his remarks had been taken out of context, emphasizing that he also acknowledged the existence of innocent Palestinians who oppose Hamas. However, the controversy surrounding his statements has contributed to the tensions surrounding his visit to Cyprus.
The protest reflects a growing sentiment among various groups in Cyprus who are increasingly vocal about their opposition to Israeli policies and actions in the region. The Cyprus Peace Council and its allies are advocating for a more critical stance towards Israel, arguing that strategic interests should not overshadow human rights and international law.
As the demonstration concluded without incident, it underscored the complexities of international relations and the local sentiment regarding foreign leaders' visits, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts. The protest serves as a reminder of the diverse opinions within Cyprus regarding its diplomatic relationships and the broader implications of those relationships on regional stability and human rights.