Lefkosa/Anadolu

Cypriot media reports said that fans of the Israeli team Beitar Jerusalem were physically assaulted by AEK Larnaca supporters before the match between the two teams in the UEFA Europa Conference League, resulting in the arrest of 7 people.

The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the region due to the war in Gaza, where matches of Israeli teams abroad witness protests and chants in support of Palestinians.

Reports showed that Cypriot fans attacked groups of Beitar Jerusalem supporters before the match hosted by the city of Larnaca in the Greek-administered southern Cyprus region.

Sources said that two injured Israeli fans were taken to hospital, while Cypriot police detained 6 Cypriot citizens and one Israeli citizen.

It also reported that a car belonging to a South Korean tourist couple became unusable during the incidents near the stadium.

AEK Larnaca fans chant in support of Palestine

Reports indicated that AEK Larnaca fans raised pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli chants during the incidents and during the match.

Israeli media described these chants as 'anti-Semitic'.

Reports also said that Israeli officials contacted the Greek Cypriot administration over the incident and the anti-Israel chants.

Israeli media indicates that the chants chanted by the Cypriot fans were 'anti-Semitic', which sparked angry reactions in Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities have contacted the Greek Cypriot administration regarding the incident and the chants. Matches involving Israeli teams abroad are subject to strict security measures, especially amid the war in Gaza. Cyprus is a popular destination for Israeli tourists, and has previously witnessed anti-Israel protests.