Cyprus is receiving hundreds of foreign nationals from Israel due to escalating hostilities following Hamas attacks, with over 2,000 more expected in the upcoming days.
Cyprus is managing a steady flow of evacuees by air and sea from Israel following the outbreak of hostilities since the Hamas militant attacks in the neighboring country, officials said Saturday.
Hundreds of foreign nationals have arrived from Israel aboard military flights and cruise ships on the Mediterranean island just 250 kilometers (155 miles) away, following the surprise Hamas assault on southern Israel last week.
Cypriot officials on Saturday said more people are expected to arrive on the island in the coming days, including US citizens being airlifted out, as well as cruise ships set to arrive at the southern port of Limassol on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Cyprus activated its humanitarian rescue mechanism to provide a safe transfer hub for foreign nationals from Israel after the Hamas attack.
The US State Department said it was securing charter flights to help US citizens and immediate family members seeking a safe means to depart from Israel.
According to Cypriot news site Philenews, around 2,100 people are expected on a ship from the Israeli port of Haifa on Sunday, while another cruise vessel is expected.
Cyprus has enhanced security measures at entry points, checkpoints, embassies, places of worship, and other high-risk areas, including Jewish establishments.
On Friday, a cruise ship departing from Haifa transported approximately 300 EU citizens, mostly from Hungary, to the Cypriot port city of Larnaca.
Another 150 Israelis are expected to board the same ship to return to their home country.
Katrine Dige Houmøller, with AFP
