Hezbollah leader threatens Cyprus in case of war with Israel

·

The head of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah threatened Cyprus for the first time on Wednesday, warning it would consider the island nation “part of the war” with Israel if it opened its airports to Israel.

It is believed that Nasrallah’s mention of Cyprus’ “airports and bases” concerned the RAF Akrotiri, a permanent military base that supports ongoing operations in the region, including Israel, as well as support for the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) in Cyprus.

In a televised address, Nasrallah said his Iran-backed group would fight with “no rules” and “no ceilings” in case a broader war with Israel erupted, and that nowhere in Israel would be safe from Hezbollah’s attacks.

The threat included possible targets in the Mediterranean Sea such as Cyprus.

“Opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war,” Nasrallah warned.

“The enemy wants to intimidate us, but they are the ones who should be afraid.”

Cyprus-President-Nikos-Christodoulides.-Photo-Ekathimerini.jpg
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. Photo: Ekathimerini.

In response to Nasrallah, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides said the island nation “is in no way involved” in any military operations in the region or elsewhere.

Christodoulides stressed Cyprus’ role as a humanitarian facilitator, “which is recognised globally and particularly in the Arab world” through initiatives such as the Cyprus-Gaza maritime corridor delivering humanitarian aid by ship to the Gaza Strip.

“Our humanitarian corridor is a testament to our commitment to peace and stability,” he said. “Cyprus is not part of the problem, it is part of the solution.”

The Cypriot President said there were avenues of communication with both Lebanon and Iran “through diplomatic means.”

So far, the cross-border violence between Israel and Hezbollah has killed at least 478 people in Lebanon, most of them fighters but also including 93 civilians, according to an AFP tally. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed in the country’s north.

Source: Cyprus Mail and The Australian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

French Open: Kyrgios withdraws as Kokkinakis secures wildcard

Nick Kyrgios will not compete in next week's French Open while fellow Australian tennis star, Thanasi Kokkinakis has secured a wildcard.

President resigns from Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Victoria

John Kostoulias has resigned as President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria for health reasons.

Jon Adgemis settles debts and plans venue relaunches

Sydney pub mogul Jon Adgemis has paid $400,000 to creditors as part of a deal to settle debts from his former hospitality empire, PHG.