A protest is set to take place outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Tuesday evening ahead of a two-day meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace taking place in Cyprus.
Demonstration planned outside Presidential Palace
The protest is scheduled for 7:00 pm on June 30, coinciding with the opening day of the Gaza Board of Peace meeting, which will continue until July 1.
A coalition of political parties and civil society organisations has called for the demonstration, urging the Cyprus government to withdraw its support for the body, which they describe as illegitimate.
Groups criticise Board of Peace
According to the coalition, the Board sidelines the United Nations and undermines international law. The groups also argue that Palestinians are excluded from decisions concerning their future, while Israel, as the occupying power, has representation on the body.
In a statement, signatories claimed that more than 1,000 Palestinians have died during what they described as a ceasefire period and said the occupation and blockade of Gaza continue alongside bombardments, displacement, starvation and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
“This is not peace,” the statement said.
Concerns over future Gaza plans
The coalition also criticised proposals referred to as the “Gaza Riviera”, arguing that such plans are based on the displacement of Palestinians rather than reconstruction and justice.
They further warned that such developments could create a broader regional precedent.
The groups called on Cyprus to uphold international law, United Nations resolutions and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Organisations backing the protest
The protest has been organised by a coalition of political parties and civil society groups, including the Alliance Against the Far Right, Fascism and Racism, Cyprus Peace Council, Accept LGBTI Cyprus, AKEL, Volt Cyprus, BDS Cyprus, Cyprus Palestine Solidarity Action, KISA and other organisations.
Also read: Board of Peace members to “recalibrate” in Cyprus
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