Officials have said that Cyprus is on standby to assist in evacuating Europeans and third-country nationals if conflict in the Middle East escalates.
For several decades the Mediterranean island has long been a sanctuary for thousands of people escaping war in the region.
As reported by Reuters, the EU’s easternmost state is ready for any broader conflict between Israel with Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement as a result of the war with Hamas.
“We are ready, we have activated a specific plan, ESTIA, which has been tried and tested,” Cyprus’ deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said.
“In the event we are asked to assist other countries who may be moving their nationals from the crisis area home, we are in a position to host them for a few days until they are repatriated.”
He said that close to 10 countries had made inquiries on the scheme, but there hasn’t been any specific formal request.
If a mass evacuation plan does transpire it would largely be by air.
“We have the capacity, the infrastructure,” he added.
In 2006 Cyprus offered an evacuation hub for around 30,000 people who fled Lebanon during increased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Historically we have very good relations with all our neighbours, so we try to utilise this special role we have and want Cyprus to be a pillar of safety and stability, and act as a bridge of cooperation and peace,” Antoniou said.
The hub of the coordination will be in Larnaca at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), near the country’s largest airport.
Some tents have also been placed in the compound, with cots which would be used to process any arrivals.
