Greece joined four other European nations—the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, and Slovenia— in issuing a joint statement at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemning Israel’s decision to expand military operations in Gaza.
The statement warns that this action risks violating international humanitarian law and will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Greece calls on Israel to reverse decision
The nations called on Israel to reverse the decision and stop any attempts to annex or expand settlements, which they reiterated violate international law. They highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, pointing to children dying of starvation and civilians risking their lives for food in what they described as a “man-made crisis.”
The statement also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages.
The countries stressed that Hamas must disarm and cease its involvement in governance, with the Palestinian Authority assuming a central role. They concluded by urging both sides to engage in diplomatic efforts toward a two-state solution.
Netanyahu remains defiant despite international pressure and national anger
The joint statement of the five European nations comes as the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his government’s plan to take over Gaza City, claiming it is the “best way” to end the war.
He gave no time scale as to when the operation to capture Gaza City would start. He again flat out rejected the idea of ever accepting a Palestinian State and accused European countries such as Britain and France of bowing to public pressure to recognize such a state.
Netanyahu blamed Hamas for looting supplies and said that Hamas has created the aid crisis. He reiterated his denial that Israel has a “starvation policy” in Gaza – but he accepted that there was “deprivation” in the Strip.
Families of Israeli hostages kept captive in Gaza are calling for a nationwide general strike next Sunday, in protest of the Israeli security cabinet’s recent decision to expand the war and take over Gaza City.
“We are shutting down the country to save the soldiers and the hostages,” said the relatives of the hostages in Tel Aviv. They were joined by the October 7 Council, which represents bereaved families of soldiers who fell at the start of the war.
Organizers said the initiative would start as a grassroots effort, primarily through private companies and citizens who will strike on Sunday to halt the economy.
