The recent visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Cyprus has sparked a wave of massive protests reflecting growing public discontent with Israeli military policies and their devastating impact on the Palestinian people. Organized by the Cyprus Peace Council, two large demonstrations took place on the island, where citizens expressed their strong rejection of the Israeli leader’s presence.

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The protests occurred against a backdrop of international condemnation of Israel’s military actions, which have resulted in tragic casualties in Gaza and Lebanon. In a statement, the Peace Council described Herzog’s visit as “provocative,” emphasizing that “while the Israeli army is killing tens of thousands of civilians, women, children, and elderly people in Palestine and Lebanon, the president of Israel cannot be welcomed in Cyprus.”

This message resonates strongly among Cypriots, who are acutely aware of the suffering caused by occupation.

The first demonstration took place at the roundabout near Larnaca Airport, where attendees greeted Herzog with clear and forceful slogans. The second, larger protest unfolded outside the presidential palace in Nicosia, gathering hundreds of people who made their opposition to the Israeli president’s visit unmistakably clear.

The mobilizations included participation from various solidarity organizations, such as the Council of Russian Citizens and the International Movement of Friends of Russia in Cyprus, highlighting broad international solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Protesters denounced the genocidal practices of the Israeli state and its role as a destabilizing force in the region. With banners and chants demanding an immediate halt to Zionist military operations, participants emphasized that these actions not only represent a humanitarian catastrophe but also pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

Herzog’s visit comes amid a tense climate marked by ongoing acts of violence by the Israeli army. Cypriots recalled their own struggle against occupation and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, underscoring the similarities between both struggles for justice and peace.

During his stay, Herzog met with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides to discuss issues related to Israel, including the return of hostages taken by Hamas. However, this political agenda was overshadowed by popular outcry demanding an immediate ceasefire and a just resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The demonstrations in Cyprus serve as a powerful reminder of global commitment to human rights and social justice, as well as an urgent call to end hostilities that have caused so much suffering in the region.

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