A large crowd gathered on Tuesday evening outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia during a peaceful protest against the convening of a so-called “Gaza Peace Council” at a Cyprus resort.
The protest was organised by organisations, political groups and collectives, which argued that the initiative bypasses the United Nations, excludes Palestinians and risks legitimising processes they say contradict international law.
Chants and messages during rally
Protesters held Palestinian flags and banners reading “Freedom for Palestine” and “Stop the genocide, free Palestine”, among other slogans calling for an end to violence in Gaza and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Poems were also read during the event by actress Popi Avraam as part of the gathering.
Speakers criticise initiative
Speaking on behalf of the Social Alliance, organiser Melani Steliou said the “Gaza Board of Peace” was not a genuine international initiative, arguing it excludes Palestinians and gives political legitimacy to unilateral decision-making.
Representing ACCEPT, Stefanos Evangelidis said the demonstration was held in solidarity with Gaza and criticised what he described as violations of international law and humanitarian norms.
He stressed that Cyprus, as a country that has experienced division, cannot remain silent in the face of such issues.
Concerns over legitimacy and international law
Organisers argued that the initiative undermines the United Nations framework and warned against granting political legitimacy to what they described as an unauthorised body.
Nikos Trimikliniotis said the process represents a threat to international law and UN-based mechanisms, claiming it excludes Palestinian voices from discussions about their future.
Calls to government
In a joint statement, organisers urged the Cypriot government to withdraw any support for the initiative and avoid providing political legitimacy or space for related activities.
They called for adherence to international law, UN resolutions, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and support for Palestinian self-determination through an independent state.
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