Jerusalem, 27 May, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Cyprus will revoke the asylum status of two Syrian nationals accused of attacking three Israelis in central Nicosia, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicolas Ioannides announced Wednesday night.
The attack took place on Tuesday in Nicosia’s Old City. Cypriot media reported that three Israelis were assaulted, one of whom suffered an ear injury. Two suspects were arrested and taken to the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department.
“Acting within the framework of the legislation promoted by the government, I have given instructions for the removal of asylum status from the perpetrators of yesterday’s attack,” Ioannides wrote on X.
“We will not tolerate any unlawful behavior by foreigners. Whoever violates the law will face the appropriate consequences,” he added.
The move means they will be sent back to Syria.
Israel’s ambassador to Cyprus, Oren Anolik, welcomed the decision, calling the government’s response “swift and decisive.”
“It sends a clear and important message that antisemitism is not tolerated in Cyprus, and that such acts carry serious consequences,” Anolik wrote.
The case comes amid heightened concern over the safety of Israelis and Jews in Cyprus, which has become a refuge and transit hub for Israelis since the Hamas-led October 7 massacre and the regional war that followed.
Cyprus has also previously disrupted suspected Iranian-linked plots targeting Israelis on the island.
The government has tightened migration policy in recent years while positioning Cyprus as a stable regional partner for Israel and Western states in the eastern Mediterranean.