Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, referred to the role the country seeks in the proposed “international stabilisation force” in Gaza, in an interview with Euronews, in Brussels, during which he referred to the Republic of Cyprus’ six-point plan for  Gaza.

According to Euronews, in an interview with “The Europe Conversation” programme, President Christodoulides elaborated on how Cyprus wants to repurpose its ‘Amalthea’ humanitarian maritime corridor to support Gaza’s future reconstruction.

“Cyprus has presented a 'very specific' six-point plan on Gaza’s recovery to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, ahead of a gathering of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday”, it said, noting that President Christodoulides, discussed the details “for the first time” in the interview.

Cyprus’ six-point plan is to focus on aid, security and reconstruction, it said, adding that it involves repurposing the 'Amalthea' corridor to both “extract rubble” from the territory and deliver materials for its eventual reconstruction.

“When (...) the conditions are there, reconstruction should start. And that is why point three of our proposal is the rubble removal and reconstruction enabling. This is the role that Cyprus can play: development of maritime routes for rubble extraction and inbound construction materials into Gaza in order to support Gaza's rebuilding” President Christodoulides said, according to Euronews.

He also said that Cyprus is willing to leverage its strategic position as a bridge between the EU and the Middle East to play a leading role in Gaza’s future.

Aside from reconstruction, Euronews added, “Cyprus’ plan is broadly structured along two other main lines: humanitarian aid and security”.

“It aims to support the delivery of humanitarian aid, the screening of “dual-use goods” (items that can be used both in civilian and military contexts), and the training of Palestinian security forces”, it also said.

“Cyprus is also aiming for a role in Trump’s proposed “international stabilisation force” (tasked with disarming Hamas and maintaining stability in Gaza, among others), which is expected to comprise Arab and international partners”, it said.

All six points, it added, are pegged to eight separate elements of US President Donald Trump’s broader 20-point plan, including those that refer to humanitarian assistance, economic recovery, reconstruction and future governance.

President Christodoulides, noted, however, that rebuilding Gaza can only start when the “right political conditions” are there. He added that there is “no other alternative right now” to the Trump-led ceasefire peace plan, Euronews said.

On the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, starting in January, it notes that President Christodoulides said that one of its major priorities is to “bring the EU closer to the Middle East and the greater Middle East”.

CNA/EAN/MK/2025

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY