Cyprus’s Complicity in Regional Conflict and Energy Exploitation

In the intricate web of Eastern Mediterranean geopolitics, the Greek Cypriot administration has increasingly aligned itself with Israel, particularly evident during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.

This partnership, while portrayed as a strategic alliance, raises critical questions about the Greek Cypriot leadership’s complicity in regional hostilities, their potential exploitation of the people in Gaza for oil and gas revenue, and their continued sidelining of the Turkish Cypriots. If Turkish Cypriots had access to such resources, they would not bypass the people of Gaza but instead advocate for equitable distribution, underscoring the stark contrast in ethical approaches between the two communities.

Cyprus as a Strategic Ally in Regional Conflicts

The Greek Cypriot administration has positioned itself as a pivotal ally to Israel, especially during escalations with Hamas. This collaboration has manifested in various forms, including the establishment of a maritime aid corridor intended to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Gaza. However, critiques suggest that such initiatives may serve more as political maneuvers than genuine humanitarian efforts. For instance, the proposed Cyprus-Gaza maritime aid corridor has been criticized as a "harmful publicity stunt" that undermines the essence of humanitarianism.

Moreover, the Greek Cypriot government’s actions have not gone unnoticed by regional actors. The late Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, explicitly warned that Cyprus could become a target if it allowed its territory to be used against Lebanon, highlighting the potential repercussions of the Greek Cypriot administration’s alliances. His assassination has only fueled further animosity from multiple regional actors who view the Greek Cypriots as complicit in enabling foreign interventions and energy exploitation at the expense of marginalized communities.

Energy Exploitation and Economic Interests

Beyond military alliances, the Greek Cypriot administration’s involvement in regional energy projects further complicates its role. Plans for the EastMed pipeline, a 1,900 km project intended to transport natural gas from the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe via Cyprus and Greece, have been a focal point of this strategy. This pipeline aims to connect Israeli and Cypriot gas reserves to European markets, potentially sidelining Turkish interests in the region.

Critics argue that such projects may involve the appropriation of resources from contested areas, including Palestinian territories. Reports have highlighted concerns over Israel’s exploitation of natural gas reserves off the coast of Gaza, with allegations of resource appropriation under the guise of energy development. The Greek Cypriot administration’s participation in these ventures raises questions about the ethical implications of benefiting from resources that may rightfully belong to others. With total oil and gas revenues projected to reach $644 billion, it remains to be seen how much of this wealth the Greek Cypriots will claim for themselves, raising speculation that they are willing to trade the suffering of Gazans for a lucrative stake in the energy market.

Dr. Ramzy Baroud, a Palestinian journalist, has previously noted: "For years, Israel has extracted gas off the shores of Gaza while keeping the besieged Strip in perpetual darkness." This exploitation aligns with broader regional patterns where economically advantageous partnerships are pursued at the expense of vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the Greek Cypriot regime has emerged as a key proxy in this exploitation, facilitating the transfer and monetization of these resources. Their role in enabling Israel's energy expansion directly implicates them in the ongoing economic suppression of Gaza, as they stand to benefit from the redistribution of wealth derived from stolen Palestinian resources.

Parallels to Historical Injustices Faced by Turkish Cypriots

The current political stance of the Greek Cypriot leadership echoes historical patterns of marginalization and aggression experienced by Turkish Cypriots. In the 1960s and 1970s, Turkish Cypriots endured systemic discrimination and violence, leading to their social and economic isolation. This period was marked by attempts to ethnically cleanse Turkish Cypriots from the island, resulting in deep-seated mistrust and division.

Today, Turkish Cypriots continue to face embargoes and international isolation, reminiscent of past injustices. The Greek Cypriot administration’s deepening political and economic alliances, particularly in energy deals with Israel and Greece, further entrench these divisions. The very same actors who once sought to exclude and marginalize Turkish Cypriots on the island are now seeking to monopolize the Eastern Mediterranean’s energy resources, reinforcing power imbalances in the region.

TCE Conclusion: A Geopolitical Reckoning

The Greek Cypriot administration’s alignment with Israel and its role in regional energy exploitation cannot be ignored. As it strengthens economic ties with Israel through projects like the EastMed pipeline, the implications extend beyond energy to questions of ethics, sovereignty, and historical accountability.

For Turkish Cypriots, this represents yet another example of systemic exclusion—first through embargoes and international isolation, and now through economic maneuvers that disregard their legitimate stake in regional resources. The hypocrisy of the Greek Cypriot leadership, which champions international law when convenient yet disregards it when aligning with powerful allies, is evident.

As regional tensions escalate, Cyprus must recognize that playing the role of a silent accomplice in geopolitical struggles carries consequences. Turkish Cypriots and other marginalized communities in the region cannot afford to be ignored in discussions about energy and security. If justice is truly to be served, regional cooperation must be inclusive, acknowledging the rights of all communities rather than perpetuating exclusionary policies that serve only the powerful.

References

- Modern Diplomacy, "From Ethnic Cleansing to Energy Goals," December 24, 2023.
- Dr. Ramzy Baroud, "Israel’s Energy Theft: Gaza’s Natural Gas is Stolen While Palestine Remains in Darkness."
- Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s speech regarding Cyprus’s involvement in Israeli military activities.
- Reports on the EastMed pipeline and its geopolitical implications for the Eastern Mediterranean region.