UN, Sept 23 — Greece’s Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis, has stated that Israel is not facing enough pressure to end its military actions in Gaza. He expressed concerns about the escalating situation in Lebanon, describing it as a “minefield” that the international community struggles to navigate.
Historical Ties as a Peace Broker
Greece, recently elected to the United Nations Security Council for 2025-2026, believes its historical connections with both the Arab world and Israel position it as a credible peace broker. Gerapetritis emphasized, “It seems that there is no effective pressure upon Israel. We are friends and strategic partners of Israel, and we’re trying to be open and sincere with them.”
Condemnation of Violence
While Greece condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas against Israel, the country has called for a halt to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. Palestinian authorities report that these actions have resulted in over 41,000 fatalities and widespread destruction.
Joint Initiatives for Peace
During discussions with European Union and Arab foreign ministers, Gerapetritis noted the importance of a unified response from Arabs and Europeans to address the conflict. He stated, “We have not prevented the spillover, and the more dispersed the war becomes, the more complicated the situation is to resolve.”
Addressing Humanitarian Needs
Since June, Greece has been advocating for a project to temporarily bring children affected by the war in Gaza to the European Union. Gerapetritis indicated that Greece hopes to welcome around 500 children, highlighting ongoing logistical coordination with both Palestinians and Israelis.
