A series of striking posters have emerged across the London Underground, highlighting Britain’s complicity in Israel’s war on Gaza through its use of military bases in Cyprus.

 

The posters, which mimic the design of Transport for London (TfL) travel maps, read:  

“Britain flies spy planes from air bases in Cyprus… to help Israel commit war crimes in Gaza.”  

 

The message, direct and uncompromising, has sparked widespread discussion online and in activist circles, drawing attention to the strategic role of South Cyprus in Israeli military operations. These posters are not mere propaganda—they are a visual manifestation of the growing international outrage at the way the Greek administration of Cyprus has turned the island into a military outpost, a key enabler in the ongoing destruction of Gaza.

The London Underground as a Platform for Protest  

The sudden appearance of these posters on the Jubilee Line is no accident. The London Underground has historically been a battleground for political expression, and in the past, we’ve seen similar campaigns on issues ranging from climate change to human rights abuses. However, few topics have been as incendiary as Israel’s war on Gaza and its deepening military relationship with the Greek administration in South Cyprus.  

 

The UK government has largely remained silent on the matter, despite overwhelming evidence of the British bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia being used for surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations aiding Israel’s military. The posters expose this silence, making it impossible for officials to ignore the question: Why is Britain allowing its bases in Cyprus to be used for military operations that facilitate war crimes?

 

The Role of South Cyprus: An Unwanted Aircraft Carrier  

While the posters specifically target Britain’s involvement, they also draw attention to the dangerous game being played by the Greek Cypriot leadership. South Cyprus has increasingly positioned itself as a forward base for Israeli and Western military operations, effectively acting as an unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

 

This is not speculation—it is a documented reality. Cyprus has hosted multiple joint military exercises with Israel, including air and naval drills explicitly designed for operational readiness in conflicts like the ongoing war in Gaza. Just last year, reports confirmed that Cyprus had purchased Israel’s Barak MX air defence system, further cementing military ties. Meanwhile, Israeli fighter jets have been seen landing at Cypriot airfields, and military analysts have pointed to an increase in intelligence-sharing between the two sides.  

 

Public Backlash and the Growing Criticism of South Cyprus’ Role  

The posters in the London Underground are part of a larger backlash against the Greek Cypriot leadership's entanglement in this war. Activists are increasingly calling out South Cyprus for its role in supporting Israel’s military efforts, with growing concerns that the island is being dragged into a war that could destabilise the entire region.  

 

Just last year, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) warned that the Greek Cypriot administration’s military alignment with Israel could have catastrophic consequences. He stated:  

 

“South Cyprus is playing a dangerous game by militarising the island and allowing foreign forces to operate unchecked. This is not a matter of security—it is a reckless provocation.”  

 

His words now seem prophetic. As images of bombed-out hospitals and mass graves in Gaza flood social media, the complicity of South Cyprus has never been clearer.  

 

Why This Matters: The UK’s Silence on Cyprus’ Militarisation  

Despite mounting evidence, the UK government has largely evaded questions about how its bases in Cyprus are being used. Official statements have been vague, insisting that the bases are for “defensive operations.” However, the emergence of these posters on the London Underground is forcing the issue into public consciousness.  

 

If the British public becomes fully aware of the extent to which South Cyprus is enabling Israel’s war effort, it could lead to serious political repercussions. The UK has long maintained an uneasy diplomatic balance in the region, but the continued use of Cyprus as a launchpad for Israeli operations risks damaging its credibility on the global stage.  

 

Activism on the Rise: London’s Transport Network as a Political Battlefield  

This is not the first time the London Underground has been used to expose uncomfortable truths, but it may be one of the most significant. In the age of digital activism, where online campaigns often struggle to break into mainstream discourse, these posters have achieved something remarkable—they have put the issue of South Cyprus’ complicity in war crimes directly in front of thousands of commuters.  

 

Social media platforms are already flooded with images of the posters, with hashtags such as #CyprusWarCrimes and #BritainComplicit gaining traction. The posters serve as a stark reminder that the war in Gaza is not a distant conflict—it is one in which European powers, including the Greek Cypriot administration, are actively involved.  

 

A Call for Accountability  

The posters on the London Underground are just the beginning. Activists are now calling for:  

- A full investigation into how UK bases in Cyprus are being used in Israel’s military operations.  
- An end to military exercises and weapons deals between South Cyprus and Israel. 

 
- Greater transparency from the Greek Cypriot leadership regarding its military agreements with foreign powers.  

The London Underground posters have succeeded in breaking the silence. The question now is whether Britain and South Cyprus will be forced to answer for their actions.  

 

For now, one thing is certain—this issue is no longer confined to political backrooms and military briefings. It is out in the open, plastered across the trains of London for all to see.  

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References:  

Reuters, "Cyprus takes delivery of Israeli air defence system," December 5, 2024.  
Middle East Eye, "Cyprus: From early Zionist colony to military base for Israel's war on Gaza," June 15, 2024.  
GB News, "Pro-Palestinian activists put up anti-Israeli posters on London Underground," January 29, 2025.  
TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Regarding the military cooperation and armament activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus," December 5, 2024.  
SETA, "US-Greek Cypriot defense pact has Israeli influence," September 10, 2024.  
Nordic Monitor, "Ankara outraged as US and Cyprus sign joint defense deal," September 9, 2024.  
The Guardian, "Pro-Palestine protester stands trial for racial offence over 'coconut' placard," September 12, 2024.  
Anadolu Agency, "Türkiye reveals intelligence that Cyprus serves as a military base for Israel," June 26, 2024.  
Associated Press, "Boosting Cyprus' defense is key so close to the war-wracked Mideast, defense minister says," December 5, 2024.