Greece: Insufficient Pressure on Israel, Lebanon Escalation a "Minefield"

Athens (Reuters) - September 23, 2024 - Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis expressed concern over the lack of effective pressure on Israel to end the Gaza war, warning that the escalating situation in Lebanon poses a dangerous "minefield" for the international community.

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Gerapetritis stated, "It seems that there is no effective pressure upon Israel." He emphasized Greece's friendship and strategic partnership with Israel, assuring transparency in their communication.

While condemning the October 7th Hamas attack, Greece has consistently called for an end to Israel's retaliatory actions in Gaza, which have resulted in devastating civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Gerapetritis acknowledged Israel's "continuous, very strong reaction" but stressed the urgency for a ceasefire.

Greece, recently elected to the UN Security Council for 2025-2026, believes its historical ties with both the Arab world and Israel position it as a potential peace broker. Gerapetritis highlighted the need for unified Arab and European initiatives to exert meaningful pressure on Israel.

The recent escalation on the Israel-Lebanon border underscores a collective international failure to contain the conflict, according to the Foreign Minister. "The more dispersed the war becomes, the more complicated the situation becomes to solve," he warned, calling Lebanon a potential "zone of tremendous hostility."

Meanwhile, Greece continues its efforts to evacuate children affected by the conflict in Gaza. Gerapetritis confirmed ongoing discussions with European partners and logistical coordination with Palestinian and Israeli authorities, expressing hope for a swift resolution. Greece is prepared to receive approximately 500 children as part of this initiative.