NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The United Nations’ refugee agency said Friday that Cypriot efforts at sea to stop numerous Syrian refugee-laden boats departing Lebanon from reaching the European Union-member island nation mustn’t contravene international human rights laws or put passengers at risk.
Cypriot authorities have reportedly dispatched police patrol vessels just outside Lebanese territorial waters to thwart boat loads of Syrian refugees from reaching the island about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away.
The Cypriot government says a crumbling Lebanese economy coupled with the uncertainty brought on by the Israeli-Hamas war and the recent tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Lebanon has resulted in a huge number of rickety boats overloaded with migrants – almost all Syrians – reaching the island.
Earlier this week, Cypriot patrol craft reportedly intercepted five boats carrying hundreds of Syrian refugees and migrants. The boats turned back and the passengers disembarked safely.
US sanctions fundraisers for extremist West Bank settlers who commit violence against Palestinians
Chinese president appoints new ambassadors
Jamie Oliver's Air Fryer Meals: Chef fails to impress in new Channel 4 series
Pochettino says Chelsea players behaved like ‘kids’ when squabbling over who took a penalty
Jury selection for Trump's hush money trial could near a close
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 33,729: Ministry
Xi inspects Changsha in central China's Hunan Province
Ivy Getty and Tobias Engel divorce: Inside the couple's 3
Google is combining its Android software and Pixel hardware divisions to more broadly integrate AI
Jamie Oliver's Air Fryer Meals: Chef fails to impress in new Channel 4 series
Italy earns 5th Champions League spot for next season because of overall success in Europe
Asian CL semifinal postponed in United Arab Emirates after flooding caused by heavy rain