in-cyprus 23 October 2025 - by Frixos Dalitis
Cyprus declares its presence for the “day after” in Gaza and the prospect of a new chapter for the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, with a leading role. The Republic of Cyprus drafted, formulated, and presented a proposal consisting of 6 specific points, on the basis of which Cyprus can contribute to the implementation of the next phase of the Agreement reached at the Summit in Sharm El Sheikh. The 6 points correspond to and implement specific aspects of the 20-point Peace Plan of US President Donald Trump.
The 6-point plan of the Republic of Cyprus has also been communicated to the EU, whose role must be active and immediate through all the means at its disposal. President Christodoulides has extensively discussed the Republic of Cyprus’ plan with the President of the European Commission and has presented/discussed it both within the framework of the video conference of the Heads of State and Government of the European People’s Party and at the (MED9) Summit in Slovenia.
Cyprus, as the closest EU member state to Gaza and as a reliable partner of the US, Israel, and the Arab States, can contribute to the application and implementation of the Agreement in accordance with President Trump’s 20-point Peace Plan. Cyprus’ role can complement regional and international efforts and enhance the EU’s role from a donor to a strategic operational actor. Of particular importance are the relationships with the states of the region, which can make Cyprus an essential bridge between the EU and the region in promoting initiatives and actions.
Especially the timing, with Cyprus taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026, is a crucial period for the application and promotion of the next phase and constitutes an additional but fundamental element for rapid action by the EU and the development of key synergies with important partners.
Through this initiative, too, the Republic of Cyprus attempts, on the one hand, to make its infrastructure and mechanisms available to the efforts of the international community and, on the other hand, to act, to the extent of its capacity, as a catalyst for the activation and launch of specific procedures. The Republic of Cyprus fully perceives and understands the stakes of the implementation and application of the provisions of President Trump’s Plan as soon as possible concerning regional security and stability. Towards this direction, taking initiatives and drafting specific mechanisms, especially at the regional and EU level, is imperative. This is the role Cyprus is playing once again.
Specific provisions of President Trump’s 20-point Plan (especially points 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18) require reliable mechanisms for providing humanitarian aid, control, reconstruction, and stabilisation of the situation after the agreement’s implementation.
The Republic of Cyprus already has in operational readiness both the “Amalthea” maritime humanitarian corridor and the “CYCLOPS” Centre as a training center. Both are internationally recognised as safe and reliable mechanisms with tested operational adequacy, in full cooperation with United Nations mechanisms and procedures (UNOPS, UNSCR 2720 Mechanism) with the potential for scaling up, meaning they are capable of substantially supporting the provisions and functions related to the points of the Trump Plan.
The Six Points of the Republic of Cyprus’ Plan
President Christodoulides briefly referred to the sections that constitute the drafted Plan in his interview with Euronews yesterday. The overall working document contains an extensive description, analysis, and mechanisms for the elaboration of the provisions it includes.
Specifically, the six points concern:
- Provision of Humanitarian Aid (Points 7 & 8 of President Trump’s Plan): The operation of the “Amalthea” initiative under coordination with UNOPS and the UNSCR 2720 Mechanism, in cooperation with the UAE and operational coordination with Israel for the collection, inspection, and transfer of humanitarian aid via the fast track of Limassol-Ashdod-Gaza. 25,000 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered (out of a total of 190,000 the UN has delivered to Gaza), of which 3,300 tons were delivered during the Aug-Oct 2025 period.
- Safe sorting of goods and two-way inspection (Points 13 & 15 of President Trump’s Plan): Utilisation of the capabilities and infrastructure of mechanisms already implemented under the UN umbrella (Mechanism 2720) for specialised (two-way) inspection of goods, to provide reliable, fast, and transparent provision and receipt of materials in Gaza.
- Debris removal/rubble and activation of reconstruction (Points 2, 4 & 14 of President Trump’s Plan): Development of two-way maritime routes for the export of rubble from Gaza and the import of construction materials to support the reconstruction effort in Gaza. Cyprus can utilise existing mechanisms to assist in the removal (via Cyprus) of part of the large volume of rubble and for the provision of part of the construction materials that will be necessary for the reconstruction of the area. At this point, the announcement of ETEK (Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber) and the Contractors’ Association is reminded, in which they express their intention to assist. According to our information, the Association of Scientists, Surveyors, Construction Economists of Cyprus has also sent a relevant letter to the Government.
- Support for training, stabilisation, and normalisation of relations (Points 9, 15 & 18 of President Trump’s Plan): Training on inspection, customs controls, and security personnel under CYCLOPS in cooperation with EUBAM Rafah, based on the training provided to the UN2720 inspections in Gaza. Utilisation of Cyprus’ expertise in Missing Persons issues (Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus – CMP) as well as enhancing the capabilities of the Palestinian Authority.
- Contribution to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) (Point 15 of President Trump’s Plan): Readiness to contribute with support personnel and provide logistical support to the ISF, to ensure a secure environment for humanitarian operations and reconstruction procedures.
- Contribution to the Economic Development Plan (Point 10 of President Trump’s Plan): Utilisation of Cyprus’ role as a regional business and financial hub to activate and attract investments, as well as create employment opportunities for the sustainable and dignified recovery of Gaza.
Before EU Leaders and El-Sisi
President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides developed his six-point plan based on the Trump plan for Gaza yesterday evening to the leaders of the EU member states and the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, during a working dinner within the framework of the historic first EU-Egypt summit in Brussels.
During the dinner, the President of the Republic referred to the role that Cyprus can play in the implementation of the US President’s peace plan.
As President Christodoulides explained, Cyprus is not seeking political mediation but operational support for the plan, in a way that contributes to Gaza’s sustainability while respecting Israel’s security concerns.
Towards this direction, the Republic of Cyprus has proposed a model of implementational contribution that has already been codified into six operational pillars, building on the successful application of the “Amalthea” Plan, which operates through a bilateral security mechanism and in cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and UNOPS.
Also, the President of the Republic, during the dinner, praised the critical stabilising role of Egypt in the entire effort for peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East.
President Christodoulides then made special reference to the importance of the Pact for the Mediterranean, which constitutes the EU’s new strategy for the Southern Neighbourhood region. Its official approval took place on October 16, 2025, at the College of Commissioners level, thus inaugurating a framework for cooperation that is not limited to aid or development programs but seeks to upgrade the Mediterranean into an area of strategic alignment between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The implementation of the Pact and the upgrading of the EU’s relations with the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood, including Egypt, will be a significant priority of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Finally, President Christodoulides pointed out that the EU should support Egypt’s macroeconomic stability, in coordination with the International Monetary Fund, taking into account the Union’s strategic interests.
