The Palestinian Ambassador in Cyprus Begins a Symbolic Hunger Strike in Solidarity with Gaza

Sada News Translation - Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Al-Attari has begun a symbolic hunger strike at the Palestinian embassy in Cyprus in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

In a press conference, Al-Attari opened his speech with verses from the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish: "While you prepare your breakfast, think of others (do not forget the food for the pigeons). While you are waging your wars, think of others (do not forget those who seek peace). While you pay your water bill, think of others (those whom the clouds nourish). While you return home, to your home, think of others (do not forget the people of the camps). While you sleep and count the stars, think of others (those who have no place to sleep). While you free yourself in borrowing, think of others (those who have lost the right to speak). While you think of the distant others, think of yourself (say: "If I were a candle in the darkness")."

The ambassador described the hunger strike as an "ethical and solidarity act" with the children who die daily from starvation due to Israeli genocidal policies. He added that the number of martyrs in Gaza has reached 60,000, including 17,000 children.

Al-Attari, while displaying images of malnourished Palestinian children, stated: "Through this hunger strike, we seek to protect our humanity. We have much to offer as a people, and we do not want to hate humanity because of what is happening in Gaza."

The ambassador criticized, in the presence of envoys from other Arab countries, journalists who support Israel, and called for respect for the Palestinian cause. He argued that anyone accustomed to hunger and genocide in Palestine should question whether they are still human.

Al-Attari referred to the slogan "I do not forget" (Den Ksyheno), which he said he used to chant when he was young in Athens in solidarity with Cyprus, adding that while Palestinians "do not forgive" either, they do not seek revenge.

He condemned the silence of the international community and what he described as the European Union's inability to impose sanctions on Israel.

The ambassador criticized those who still speak about Israel's right to defend itself, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly declares his goal of establishing a "Greater Israel" that includes parts of Arab countries and displaces Palestinians.

He stated that Israel's objectives extend beyond Gaza to the West Bank, through attacks on refugee camps and the economic war that weakens the Palestinian authority.

Al-Attari concluded his speech by saying, "We call on the world to act and pressure Israel to stop the genocide," appealing for international support while emphasizing that Cyprus remains a friendly state and that Palestinians will never act against Cypriot interests.

Palestinians and Cypriots gathered in front of the embassy in solidarity, calling for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and liberation from the Israeli occupation.