The recent involvement of Cyprus in assisting the United States in the Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted anew on October 7, presents a striking irony when viewed through the lens of international politics and human rights. This involvement is layered with complexities, particularly when considering the historical and ongoing situation in Cyprus itself.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand the context of the Gaza Strip, the epicenter of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Gaza Strip, often described as an open-air prison, represents one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with a population enduring severe restrictions on movement and access to basic resources. The international community, including human rights organizations, frequently compares the living conditions in Gaza to an apartheid state, citing the severe limitations on freedom and basic human rights.

In this light, the United States’ decision to engage Cyprus as a partner in addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict is laden with irony. Cyprus, a nation still grappling with the consequences of Turkey’s illegal invasion and occupation of its northern territories in 1974, finds itself in a paradoxical position. On the one hand, Cyprus is a victim of territorial aggression and occupation, with its own set of unresolved human rights and sovereignty issues. On the other hand, it is now playing a role in a conflict where similar themes of occupation, human rights abuses, and national sovereignty are at play.

This juxtaposition raises several questions about the nature of international alliances and the complexities of foreign policy. It underscores how nations often have to navigate a labyrinth of diplomatic and strategic interests, sometimes aligning with partners in one context while opposing them in another. For Cyprus, this means collaborating with the United States in the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite the unresolved issues stemming from the Turkish occupation of its northern territories.

Moreover, this situation highlights the often selective approach of the international community towards conflicts and occupations. The enduring division and partial occupation of Cyprus have not garnered the same level of international attention or intervention as other global conflicts. This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including geopolitical interests, the strategic importance of certain regions, and international political dynamics.

Cyprus’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict, while serving immediate strategic and diplomatic purposes, also casts a spotlight on the broader inconsistencies and ironies of international politics. It reminds us that the principles of sovereignty, human rights, and self-determination are often entangled in a web of geopolitical interests, where the plight of some is highlighted while others remain in the shadows. This scenario should prompt a deeper reflection on how the international community addresses conflicts and occupations, striving for a more consistent and principled approach that upholds the values of justice and human rights universally.