Israeli property purchases in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus were featured on the front page of Turkish newspaper Milli Gazete on Tuesday, alongside comments by historian and former academic Jerry Kossifos.
The newspaper used the headline “They are creating a second Israel”, presenting Kossifos’ comments on Israeli purchases of land and property in Cyprus as a significant admission by a Greek Cypriot historian.
Kossifos comments on property sales
Milli Gazete highlighted remarks made by Kossifos in an interview with European Parliament member Fidias Panayiotou, in which he expressed concern over the increasing purchase of land and property by Israeli nationals.
The newspaper attributed to Kossifos the view that, if property acquisitions continue at the same pace, there is a risk of what he described as “a second Israel in the southern part of the island” being created.
It also highlighted his reported call to “stop selling our land”.
Link to property prices
The report connected foreign investment with rising property prices in Cyprus.
Kossifos was quoted as arguing that the sale of land to foreign investors contributes to higher prices, making it particularly difficult for young Cypriots to purchase homes.
Milli Gazete placed the comments within a broader narrative about the presence of Israelis in Cyprus and geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
References to the Cyprus problem
The newspaper also gave prominence to Kossifos’ views on the Cyprus problem.
It reported that the historian had referred to what he considered serious mistakes by the Greek Cypriot side and discussed the treatment of Turkish Cypriots during the period of intercommunal violence.
His reported comments also stressed the need for greater communication between the two communities and addressed relations with Turkey.
The characterisation and framing of the comments in the Turkish newspaper are those of Milli Gazete; the report presents Kossifos’ statements within the newspaper’s broader coverage.
Also read: Israeli defence firms eye Cyprus production sites to access €150bn SAFE fund
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