Cyprus has been asked by Slovakia and Portugal to help remove its citizens from Israel and the region in general, foreign ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis said on Monday.

“So far, we have requests through Estia from two countries,” Gotsis said referring to the government programme that has been used in the past to evacuate citizens from other countries.

“We are discussing with these two countries to see how we can help with their requests,” he added.

The Estia plan is activated in periods of emergency or crisis and allows for the evacuation of civilians through Cyprus from a nearby area.

Also, Gotsis said there are three Cypriot citizens in Iran who wish to return to Cyprus.

He added that two patients who were being treated in hospital in Israel have returned to the island, while another 10 people remain hospitalised there.

In addition, there is a total of 19 citizens who were in Israel for a short period – either for vacation or for work – and wish to return to Cyprus.

“We are working so that Cypriots who are in Israel and Iran return to the island as soon as possible,” Gotsis said.

When asked about flight diversions in Cyprus due to rising tensions in the Middle East, Gotsis said that a total of 32 flights carrying 2,427 passengers have been diverted to Larnaca and Paphos airports, with most travellers returning to their countries.