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Cyprus, an island that has been a strategic crossroads in the Eastern Mediterranean for centuries, is experiencing a worrying phenomenon. Since October 7, 2023, a growing number of Israeli citizens have begun moving to the island, investing in homes and land. This trend, while not new, has reached such proportions that the country's second-largest party, AKEL, has declared that "Israel is occupying Cyprus."
But what are the implications of this development? Is it a warning signal for the local population, already strained by historical and geopolitical tensions?
A meteoric rise in Israeli investments
Since 2021, Israeli investors have purchased over 4.000 properties in Cyprus, increasing the number of Israeli residents to more than 15.000 by 2025, up from 6.500 in 2018. A significant increase, no doubt. But what is most worrying is the manner in which this settlement is taking place. Entire neighborhoods, such as those in Pyla, Larnaca, and Limassol, are being built specifically for Israeli citizens, with gated communities equipped with synagogues and kosher supermarkets. Doesn't this remind you of a model of colonization already seen in Palestine? This situation is raising fears among Cypriots, who increasingly feel like strangers in their own land.<\/p>
Stefanos Stefanou, secretary of the AKEL party, sounded a clear warning: "At some point, we will discover that our land no longer belongs to us." His words underscore the risk of silent colonization, a phenomenon that, if left unchecked, could have devastating consequences. The creation of Israeli enclaves on the island represents another piece in an already complex geopolitical puzzle, but how will the international community react to all this?
The geopolitical implications of Israeli expansion
Cyprus, thanks to its strategic location, could become a crucial pawn in a broader geopolitical game. The risk of creating "satellite enclaves" under Israeli influence is real. These areas could become centers of economic power and intelligence bases, especially in areas near the Green Line, the ceasefire line dividing the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot zones. Have you ever wondered what the consequences of this situation could be for the stability of the entire region?
The strategic alliance between Israel and the Greek Cypriots, designed to counter Turkish ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean, exposes Cyprus to significant risks. In an already fragile context, where the conflict between Israel and Turkey is intensifying, the island's division, dating back to the Turkish occupation in 1974, makes the situation even more complex. Could a deterioration in relations between Israel and Turkey further exacerbate the rift between the two Cypriot communities?
The energy context and future challenges
The Eastern Mediterranean is an area rich in gas and hydrocarbon deposits, attracting the interest of several international players, including Cyprus, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Greece. Italy is also involved, thanks to the presence of ENI and the EastMed project, a strategic gas pipeline. However, after the end of US support in 2022, the project was halted, leaving the area in a state of uncertainty. How will this situation evolve?
In this scenario, Israeli expansion on the island raises questions not only about Cypriot sovereignty, but also about the stability of the entire region. Future developments could alter already fragile balances, making Cyprus a focal point in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. It will be crucial to carefully monitor events and the reactions of the various parties involved, as the future of the island and the region could depend on them.<\/p>