House Plenary passes resolution for ceasefire in Gaza

The Plenary of the Cyprus House of Representatives has approved a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza and called for further support of the "Amalthea" plan which provides a maritime aid corridor to the area.

The resolution was submitted by DIKO and gathered 28 votes in favour from DISY, DIKO, DIPA, and ELAM.

Seventeen MPs from AKEL (left wing party) and the Environmental Movement voted against. Independent MP Alexandra Attalides was also against, while there was also an abstention vote from Social Democratic EDEK party President Marinos Sizopoulos.

Earlier a draft resolution submitted by AKEL on Palestine was rejected with 28 votes against and 15 in favour.

The House of Representatives, the resolution says, supports an immediate ceasefire and calls on the parties to return to the negotiating table to work towards a peaceful and lasting solution for the benefit of both peoples.

It also calls on the United Nations and especially the Security Council to step up its efforts for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations to reach a peaceful solution.

The House demands the immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli hostages "who were brutally and inhumanely kidnapped during the terrorist attack by Hamas."

It condemns the crimes of sexual violence, torture, cruel and degrading treatment against the hostages of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack.

The resolution points out the need to strengthen and further develop the Amalthea Plan for an unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza and condemns the attack on the "World Central Kitchen" NGO in Gaza in which 7 volunteers lost their lives, as well as all acts of violence against humanitarian workers, who must always be protected, according to international humanitarian law.

At the same time, the Cyprus House calls for an immediate and quick investigation for attribution of responsibilities.