As fighting continues to escalate in the Middle East, EU member state Cyprus, located in the eastern Mediterranean, is increasingly coming into focus.

Its ports already play a crucial role in delivering aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, and now, the country might become a gathering point and safe haven for those who manage to flee the violence in the region.

Cyprus has become an important stopover for Israelis stranded abroad after at least 20 international airlines, including Germany's Lufthansa, canceled or delayed their direct flights to Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport. Israelis are being advised to head to the island, as well as to Greece, where they will be collected by Israeli airlines and brought home.

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Just a few days ago, Alexis Vafeades, Cyprus' transport minister, told the Cyprus News Agency that "connectivity" between Israel and Cyprus would remain intact. He added that officials would "stay alert," highlighting........

© Deutsche Welle