In his posting at the UN Security Council meeting for Palestinian, the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis He described the situation in Gaza in dramatic tones, noting that “humanitarian catastrophe continues” and that “the civilian population is enduring extremely adverse and deeply alarming living conditions.”
Particular emphasis was placed on the need for “mass, safe, seamless and uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid”, with full respect for international law.
Mr Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s contribution, recalling that “we have already welcomed injured children from Gaza” and that he has voted in favor of all the resolutions for removing restrictions on humanitarian aid. At the same time, he stressed that “the hostages continue to suffer horribly from Hamas” and called on their immediate and unconditional release.
“Last May here in New York, together with 80 UN members, we confirmed the importance of protecting civilians in armed conflict,” he said.
Reference was also made to the “recent attacks on Doha”, with Greece underlining the important role of Qatar as a mediator, and reiterating that “diplomacy remains the most effective means of resolving disputes”.
Mr Gerapetritis expressed the “deep concern” of the expansion of settlements, especially in the E1 area of the West Bank, warning that “they will further undermine the prospect of the two states solution”. He also noted that the violence of settlers “including the violence directed against Christian communities is of serious concern”.
Despite the difficulties, Mr Gerapetritis emphasized that “the solution of the two states remains the only viable road forward”, expressing support for the international initiatives of France and Saudi Arabia and stressing that the Palestinian Authority, if it is reinforced and reinforced.
“Greece will continue to contribute to any efforts to revive the political process for the solution of the two states. A process that, as we strongly believe, must lead to the establishment of a dominant Palestinian state through a renewed and comprehensive approach, which is essential to achieving constant peace and stability in the region. “
In closing, Mr Gerapetritis reiterated that “stability in the Middle East is not a theoretical issue, but an urgent need” for a country in the Eastern Mediterranean, and that a safe neighborhood can only be built by “dialogue and maintenance of international law”.
The entire placement of the Foreign Minister:
‘Mr President,
Honorable colleagues,
Thank you for convening today’s particularly important meeting, at an extremely critical juncture for the Middle East.
Words cannot describe what we see in the Gaza Strip. The humanitarian disaster continues. For almost two years, the civilian population has endured extremely adverse and deeply alarming living conditions. No one should be forced to live under such conditions.
The expansion of military operations in the city of Gaza has led to further displacements and is increasing the risk of deteriorating the already suffering humanitarian crisis. This situation endangers the lives of civilians. Any further escalation in Gaza that aggravates the already dramatic situation for civilians must be avoided.
The hardships that children suffer from children highlight the urgent need for mass, safe, seamless and uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid in all areas of Gaza, with full respect for international law and international humanitarian law.
Mr President,
Greece is actively involved in all efforts to relieve people’s pain in Gaza. We have systematically provided humanitarian aid. We have already received injured children from Gaza, who are medical care in Greek hospitals.
At the same time, we have voted in favor of any resolution plan aimed at addressing the crisis in Gaza, the last of which requires all restrictions on humanitarian aid to be removed.
Last May here in New York, together with 80 UN members, we confirmed the importance of protecting civilians in armed conflict.
Access to humanitarian aid is vital to the relief of the pain of the Palestinian population. Safe access to food, water, shelter, clothing and medicines across the area, as well as respect for international humanitarian law, must be ensured.
Initiatives to enhance the providing humanitarian aid to Gaza through land, air or sea should be further strengthened.
At the same time, hostages continue to suffer horribly from Hamas. We were shocked by the images and videos posted last month, in which two hostages are apparently exhausted, describe their horrible captivity. We repeat our appeal for immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining hostages.
Mr President,
We note that the Council has rightly dealt with recent attacks on Doha at the beginning of the month, attacks that are even more concerned, given Qatar’s critical role as a host of negotiations and mediator to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
We continue to believe that diplomacy remains the most effective means of resolving disputes, even under the most adverse conditions. Greece has expressed its steadfast support for negotiating efforts and will continue to do so. We call on all sides to understand the seriousness of the situation, to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible with international law.
Mr President,
The recent expansion of settlements and violence by settlers further undermine the prospects for peace.
We are deeply concerned about the announcements about the expansion of settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. If these plans are implemented, they will further undermine the prospect of the two states solution.
The escalation of settlement violence, including violence against Christian communities, raises serious concern and must be ended immediately.
Mr President,
As distant or difficult as the perspective seems today, the solution of the two states remains the only viable road forward.
We must offer the Palestinian people a reliable perspective and hope for the future. This is a prerequisite for achieving peace, stability and security in the region, including Israel’s long -term security.
We appreciate the leadership role that France and Saudi Arabia have assumed in the context of a conference for the solution of the two states in which they co -chair. Greece supports all international initiatives aimed at implementing this vision, including the world alliance and the Arabic plan.
Greece will continue to contribute to any efforts to revive the political process for the solution of the two states. A process that, as we strongly believe, must lead to the establishment of a dominant Palestinian state through a renewed and comprehensive approach, which is essential for achieving constant peace and stability in the region.
In this context, Hamas cannot play any role in either governance or future discussions about the next day in Gaza. Greece has repeatedly stressed that the Palestinian Authority, if enhanced and reformed, must play a central role in the future of Gaza and remains the best partner for peace. The European Union has already taken action, approving a three -year package of about 1.6 billion euros, vital to avoiding fiscal collapse, and with the aim of boosting the Palestinian authority in its difficult task.
Mr President,
For Greece, stability in the Middle East is not a theoretical issue, but an urgent need. As a country in the eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, developments in the region have a direct impact on the security, prosperity and stability of both our country and Europe as a whole. We are convinced that a safe neighborhood can only be built through dialogue and compliance with international law, where peoples can coexist with dignity and security.
Thank you”.