By Nikolaos Prakas and Iole Damaskinos
Over a thousand people gathered in Nicosia on Sunday to march in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israeli bombing continued.
People gathered in the capital’s Eleftheria Square, where protesters held signs reading: “Hydrocarbons and blood,” referring to the agreement between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the US on energy exploitation.
Others carried signs showing 6,000+ referring the number of dead since the Israeli offensive began, while a woman also spotted holding a sign that said: “I did not know Palestinian human rights came with terms and conditions.”
Before starting the march, a speaker at the protest sent a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “With your intransigence, you are turning the people against you.
“Palestine will be free from the river to the sea.”
After gathering in the square, people began to march and chant: “Niko [CHRISTODOULIDES, NIKO, YOU CAN’T HIDE YOU’RE SUPPORTING GENOCIDE.”
One protester told the Cyprus Mail: “I am here to support humanity, and [STAND] against genocide in every shape and form.”
A Turkish Cypriot protester also spoke to the Cyprus Mail and said: “We are here to show our solidarity to the Palestinian people and increase the Palestinian voice from Cyprus. As Turkish Cypriots, we are here to show that solidarity will win over brutality.”
Before protesters started marching, a small silent protest was held in the square, where two women dressed as justice and peace marched in front of people holding children in their arms.
The Cyprus Peace Council and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) organised the protest on Sunday.
In their announcement, the NGOs called on all people from all strata of society to participate in the demonstration starting at Eleftherias Square in Nicosia.
The organisers, totalling 38 Greek and Turkish Cypriot organisations, are demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid, an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people, practical solidarity of the Republic of Cyprus with the Palestinians, the implementation of international law and the resolutions of the United Nations, and peace and justice in Cyprus and throughout.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Mail
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Mail
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