The Cypriot Parliament must not be turned into a lobby promoting Israel’s interests
15 October 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
The formation of a parliamentary group by DISY, DIKO and far-right ELAM in cooperation with the “Israel Allies Foundation”, and the establishment of a Cypriot branch of the “Transatlantic Friends of Israel” (TFI), are extremely provocative actions. In essence, lobbying groups are being organised within the House of Representatives to promote the interests of a foreign country, something unprecedented in the history of the Cypriot parliament.
The TFI, which was established by the “American Jewish Committee”, has organised a campaign to vote against resolutions and abolish UN mechanisms that it characterises as “anti-Israeli”. How does the participation of Cypriot MPs in such initiatives serve our struggle to end the Turkish occupation and colonisation [of the occupied areas], which grounded on international law and resolutions of the United Nations?
The provocation becomes even greater given that Israel continues its illegal occupation and colonisation of Palestinian territories and the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry has found that genocide has been committed in Gaza. Whilst even its traditional Western allies are imposing sanctions on officials in Netanyahu’s government and promoting measures against the illegal settlements, the Christodoulides government and the DISY–DIKO–ELAM alliance are stepping up their political support for Israel.
The presence of Ministers at these events and the reception of the leadership of the Israel Allies Foundation by the President of the Republic confirm the government’s support [of Israel] and the responsibilities that come with it.
What message are they sending to the international community?
With what credibility can we demand pressure be brought to bear on Turkey when we are politically supporting another occupying and colonising state?
The ongoing occupation, colonisation and violations of international law cannot and must not be judged depending on the perpetrator. The consistent defence of international law is a matter of principle and a prerequisite for credibility in our struggle for freedom and reunification. Cyprus cannot assert vindication for its own people whilst becoming politically complicit in the injustice being committed against another people.
