Philenews

OAY: Eight Patients and Their Companions Remain in Israel – No Repatriation Permit Issued Today

Published March 4, 2026, 12:14
OAY: Eight Patients and Their Companions Remain in Israel – No Repatriation Permit Issued Today

Efforts are underway to repatriate 16 Cypriot citizens currently in Israel, including eight patients and eight companions. The OAY (Cyprus Organisation of State Health Services) is in constant communication with the hospitals where the patients are being treated and the Cypriot embassy in Israel to facilitate their repatriation. Two families have already expressed their desire to return to Cyprus, and the return of three more patients has been scheduled. Arrangements have been made with hospitals in Cyprus to continue their care, but the implementation of air ambulances depends on the approval of the Israeli authorities. According to the latest update, the permit for air ambulances is not expected to be issued today, making their implementation possible tomorrow, if conditions permit. Hospitals in Cyprus and Israel, as well as the air ambulance company, are on full alert. The director of the OAY emphasized that the progress of the process depends on the situation in the airspace and expressed hope that there will be no restrictions on aircraft transporting patients. At the same time, the sending of new cases from Cyprus to Israel has been temporarily suspended, while arrangements have been made with Greece and other countries to receive cases if necessary.