In Limassol, two young individuals were seriously injured in stabbings that occurred at the old port. The first victim, aged 18, is in serious condition, while the second, aged 17, sustained minor injuries. The attacks appear to have stemmed from a fight involving foreign nationals. The police are conducting investigations to identify the perpetrators.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel reserves the right to renew war against Hamas if the terms of the ceasefire agreement are not upheld. He emphasized that the ceasefire is temporary and that Israel's military objectives remain in place, backed by the U.S. Netanyahu also set a condition for receiving a list of hostages to be released by Hamas. The agreement includes a prisoner exchange between the two sides.
The Limassol Police Department launched an investigation after reports of stabbings at the old port of Limassol. Two foreigners were injured in the incident, and bystanders provided first aid until the ambulance arrived. The injured were transported to the General Hospital of Limassol. Police are conducting on-site examinations of the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will not implement the ceasefire in Gaza until it receives the list of hostages to be released by Hamas. He stated that Hamas is responsible for the delay and that Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The exchange of hostages has been outlined in the agreement, with Egypt and other countries mediating. The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday, January 19, local time.
A 30-year-old was detained for one day following allegations of dog abuse in Pegeia. The dog was found in a trash bin in poor condition and is receiving veterinary care. The Animal Police initiated an investigation due to suspicion against the dog's owner. The case raised concerns about animal abuse in the area.
There has been an increase in pediatric admissions with Influenza A at Makareio Hospital, although the situation remains controlled. Currently, there are 4 children in the ICU who are not considered serious. Most admissions involve infants under 12 months, and Dr. Ilia advises parents to be cautious with newborns and infants under three months.
Banks have decided to install 10 new ATMs in remote areas of Cyprus following pressure due to the reduction in bank branches and ATMs. The new ATMs will be set up by April and will not charge pensioners. They will be placed in community authority buildings to ensure security and connectivity. Additionally, banks introduced a Cashback service, but feedback from citizens indicates it did not achieve the desired results.
A team of Americans will come to Cyprus to plan the further upgrade of the 'Andreas Papandreou' Air Base. President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of cooperation with the EU and the US for Cyprus's security. He also mentioned EU priorities, including issues about Turkish occupation and the reunification of Cyprus. The EU shows interest in the Naval Base in Cyprus.
A 19-year-old in Limassol was arrested after failing to stop for a police check. He was driving without a seatbelt while talking on his phone and attempted to flee. After abandoning his vehicle, police found drugs and other items inside. The teenager is currently in custody as investigations continue.
In Nicosia, a 30-year-old driver was arrested by the police for multiple offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol and without a license. The driver ran a red light and was using a mobile phone while driving. Additionally, he was found in possession of a small amount of cannabis. Authorities are investigating the cases that emerged from his arrest.
TikTok announced it will be forced to shut down on January 19, 2025, unless the Biden administration guarantees that the ban on the platform will not be enforced. The White House has declined to comment on the situation, while the Supreme Court rejected TikTok's appeal. The law requires its parent company, ByteDance, to sell its assets in the U.S. or otherwise suspend its operations. Existing users will still have access, but services are expected to gradually diminish.
The Bank of Cyprus and the Hellenic Bank have implemented most of the support measures announced last December. These measures aim to assist vulnerable groups and young couples in acquiring housing. They also include fee reductions and the installation of new ATMs. So far, the implementation is progressing positively.
The Israeli government approved the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire will take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025, for an initial period of six weeks. Daily, 600 trucks of humanitarian aid will enter the Gaza Strip. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire will begin after 16 days.
A new law aimed at the inspection and support of dangerous buildings is set to be submitted to Parliament. Some provisions of the bill include periodic inspections of buildings, prompted by proposals from the Technical Chamber, and procedures for the evacuation of residential buildings deemed dangerous. There are concerns about who will take responsibility for these buildings and the potential financial implications for owners. The final form of the bill will be shaped during its discussion in Parliament.
Adequate housing is recognized as a fundamental human right, yet the situation in Cyprus in 2025 is concerning. Government policies focus on supporting developers rather than providing affordable housing for all. Construction activity is slow, and housing prices continue to rise. It is essential to utilize existing homes and directly subsidize beneficiaries.
The budget of the Cyprus Sports Organization allocates €500,000 for the installation of cameras in two closed stadiums, but only 13 words in the budget address violence in sports venues. Operating expenses are continuously rising, reaching €25 million in 2025. Additionally, the state subsidy for the current year amounts to €52,658,000. Funding for football stadiums remains inadequate.
The first year of Holistic Sexual Education in schools received positive feedback despite initial reactions from parents. Teachers found the majority of topics easy to teach, while issues related to reproduction and stereotypes presented challenges. Students appreciated the education but expressed concerns about the content and repetition of lessons. Teacher training is deemed essential for improving sexual education.
In Potamia, during an operation against human trafficking, a violent incident resulted in the death of a 24-year-old Pakistani man. The police are being criticized for their handling of the situation, as many aspects of the event remain unclear. The incident is under investigation, with numerous questions arising regarding the events and the police's reactions. The community is closely following the developments of the case.
The Republic of Cyprus is planning to enhance its air and sea defense capabilities through an agreement with the United States. The government is preparing a list of requests for military equipment, focusing on acquiring American helicopters and maritime vessels. Cyprus' strategy is linked to its geographic position and the interest it attracts from foreign powers. The cost of military material has been a challenge, but access to surplus U.S. equipment is seen as encouraging.