Over a thousand individuals gathered in Nicosia to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to violence against Palestinians, urging adherence to international law and UN resolutions. The protest, organized by the Cyprus Peace Council and other groups, aimed to show solidarity with Palestinians and call for peace and justice in Cyprus.
What was the main purpose of the recent protest in Nicosia?
The recent protest in Nicosia aimed to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to violence against Palestinians, urging adherence to international law and UN resolutions. Over a thousand individuals gathered to call for peace, justice in Cyprus, and solidarity with Palestinians, organized by the Cyprus Peace Council and other groups.
A United Call for Peace
On a recent Sunday, the heart of Nicosia was pulsating with the calls for peace as over a thousand individuals came together, a testament to humanity’s shared longing for an end to violence. The gathering took place in the iconic Eleftheria Square, transforming it into a sea of raised signs and determined voices.
The Message Behind the Signs
The protest in Nicosia was not just a sea of people; it was a canvas of poignant messages. Signs like “Hydrocarbons and blood” underscored the complex geopolitical issues entwined with the conflict, specifically referencing the energy exploitation partnership between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the US. This partnership has become a point of contention for many, as it entangles economic interests with the ongoing strife.
Other protestors held up signs that carried the heavy toll of the conflict, indicating “6,000+” to highlight the staggering number of casualties since the hostilities intensified. Among the crowd, one sign stood out for its stark message: “I did not know Palestinian human rights came with terms and conditions.” It was a powerful reminder of the often-conditional response to human suffering in global politics.
A Direct Address to Leaders
Before the march commenced, the crowd listened intently to a speaker who did not mince words. Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, they accused him of alienating the international community with his steadfastness, proclaiming, “With your intransigence, you are turning the people against you. Palestine will be free from the river to the sea.”
The March Begins
As the protest transitioned into a march, the chants grew louder. Protesters vociferously criticized Niko Christodoulides, declaring, “Niko, you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide.” This highlighted the perceived complicity in the violence and the demand for accountability from political figures.
Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Turkish Cypriots, lent their voices to the cause, underscoring the urgency for solidarity over brutality. “We are here to show our solidarity to the Palestinian people and increase the Palestinian voice from Cyprus,” one Turkish Cypriot protester shared with a local correspondent.
A Silent Call for Justice
The protest also took a silent turn when two women, symbolically dressed as justice and peace, marched solemnly before the crowd, cradling children in their arms. It was a moment that transcended words, capturing the heart-wrenching impact of the conflict on the innocent.
Organizational Support
The Cyprus Peace Council, along with a coalition of 38 other Greek and Turkish Cypriot organizations, took the helm in organizing the protest. Their announcement was clear: a call to all community members to join hands in demanding not only a ceasefire in Gaza but also an end to the violence against Palestinians, support from the Republic of Cyprus, adherence to international law and United Nations resolutions, and a broader quest for peace and justice in Cyprus and beyond.
A Journalist Dedicated to Uncovering Truths
Behind the scenes of these events, journalists like Nikolaos Prakas, with a tenure at a prominent news outlet since 2015, continue to shed light on the complexities of political, crime, and social issues. Through their dedication, they ensure the world remains informed about the vital movements shaping our global society.
Quick Recap
- Over a thousand individuals gathered in Nicosia to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to violence against Palestinians, urging adherence to international law and UN resolutions.
- The protest aimed to show solidarity with Palestinians and call for peace and justice in Cyprus.
- Signs at the protest highlighted the complex geopolitical issues involved in the conflict, as well as the high number of casualties.
- The crowd addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, accusing him of alienating the international community.
- The protest was organized by the Cyprus Peace Council and other groups, with support from 38 Greek and Turkish Cypriot organizations.
