Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas used a visit to Cyprus on Thursday to signal his readiness to engage with Israel's incoming government, asking Nicosia to help mediate a return to negotiations.
Speaking alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in the capital, Abbas said he hoped the formation of a new Israeli cabinet would open the door to dialogue after years of stalemate.
“For many years now, we have been extending a hand to the Israeli side in order to achieve peace with them, so that Israel and Palestine may live in security, stability and peace,” Abbas said. “We hope that, immediately after a new Israeli government is formed, we will be able to engage in dialogue together.”
The Palestinian leader's comments come at a delicate moment for the region. Israel's recent election produced an inconclusive result, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc falling short of a majority. Coalition negotiations are ongoing, and the shape of the next government remains uncertain. European observers are watching closely, as the outcome will shape the prospects for any renewed peace process.
Christodoulides described Abbas's visit as coming at an “important moment” for the Middle East. He stressed Cyprus's willingness to play a constructive role, noting the island's unique position as a EU member state with strong ties to both Palestinians and Israelis.
“How can we work together, always through a positive approach? To create conditions of security and stability in the region. Of course, we are also at Palestine’s disposal, so that we may play whatever role they deem necessary for the Republic of Cyprus, in order to achieve our common goals,” Christodoulides said.
During a working lunch with delegations from both sides, Abbas elaborated on why he sees Cyprus as a suitable intermediary. He pointed to the island's long-standing friendships with both the Palestinian people and Israel, a combination that is rare in the region.
“I will not dwell on the excellent relationship that exists between the Palestinian people and the Cypriot people and the Republic of Cyprus, but you also have excellent relations—and rightly so—with Israel,” Abbas said.
The appeal to Cyprus reflects a broader Palestinian effort to find new channels for diplomacy as the traditional US-led framework has stalled. European capitals have repeatedly called for a return to negotiations, but concrete progress has been elusive. The European Union has long supported a two-state solution, and Cyprus, as the bloc's easternmost member, has a particular interest in stability in the eastern Mediterranean.
Abbas's overture also comes amid heightened regional tensions. Recent incidents, such as the shooting outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade, have underscored the volatility that can spill over into Europe. The EU has urged restraint on all sides and has backed efforts to de-escalate.
For Cyprus, the request for mediation is a chance to enhance its diplomatic profile. The island has traditionally maintained a balanced approach, cultivating ties with both Israel and the Arab world. Its proximity to the Middle East and its EU membership give it credibility as a potential honest broker.
Whether the new Israeli government will be willing to engage remains an open question. The political landscape in Israel is fragmented, and any coalition will likely include parties with varying positions on the Palestinian issue. European diplomats are cautiously hopeful that a new administration might revive a process that has been dormant for years.
Abbas's visit to Nicosia is part of a wider diplomatic push by the Palestinian Authority to keep the peace process alive. With the US election cycle and other global crises dominating attention, the Palestinian leadership is seeking allies who can help bring the parties back to the table.
As the situation evolves, Europe's role could prove pivotal. The EU has both the diplomatic weight and the economic leverage to encourage progress. Cyprus, with its unique relationships, may serve as a useful bridge. But as analysts note, mediation can only succeed if both sides are genuinely committed to dialogue.
