Brussels: Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, has announced Cyprus’ intention to participate in an ‘international stabilisation force’ in Gaza. In an interview with Euronews in Brussels, President Christodoulides outlined the Republic of Cyprus’ six-point plan aimed at supporting Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides, speaking on ‘The Europe Conversation’ programme, discussed how Cyprus plans to utilize the ‘Amalthea’ humanitarian maritime corridor to aid in Gaza’s reconstruction efforts. Cyprus has presented this comprehensive six-point recovery plan to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels.
The six-point plan focuses on aid, security, and reconstruction, proposing the repurposing of the ‘Amalthea’ corridor for extracting rubble and delivering construction materials necessary for rebuilding Gaza. President Christodoulides emphasized Cyprus’ potential role in developing maritime routes to facilitate these efforts.
President Christodoulides also expressed Cyprus’ readiness to leverage its strategic location as a bridge between the EU and the Middle East, aiming to play a significant role in Gaza’s future. Beyond reconstruction, the plan includes delivering humanitarian aid, screening ‘dual-use goods’ (items with both civilian and military uses), and training Palestinian security forces.
Cyprus is also seeking involvement in a proposed ‘international stabilisation force’ intended to disarm Hamas and maintain stability in Gaza, expected to include Arab and international partners. All six points of Cyprus’ plan align with elements of US President Donald Trump’s broader 20-point plan, addressing humanitarian assistance, economic recovery, reconstruction, and governance.
However, President Christodoulides noted that reconstruction in Gaza can only commence under the ‘right political conditions’ and emphasized there is ‘no other alternative right now’ to Trump’s ceasefire peace plan.
Regarding the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency starting in January, President Christodoulides highlighted the priority of enhancing EU relations with the Middle East and the greater Middle East.