The war in Ukraine has caused nearly two million military casualties in Russia and Ukraine,…
Tag: Humanitarian Crisis
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Istanbul on Thursday to demonstrate…
Greece, together with eight other members of the United Nations Security Council, has issued a…
Greece has thrown its full support behind the UN’s 20-point plan to end the conflict…
At a UN Security Council session addressing the Middle East crisis, Greece’s Permanent Representative, A. Balta, voiced deep concern over escalating violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, including attacks on Christian communities. Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where famine has been officially declared, she urged an immediate ceasefire and unhindered aid access. Emphasizing the two-state solution as “the only viable path forward,” Balta reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to peace, calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas and praising initiatives like Cyprus’s Amalthea corridor. The session underscored the urgent need for global action to address the worsening conflict and humanitarian catastrophe.
Two Greek ships, the Oxygen and Ilektra, set sail from Syros to join the international Global Sumud Flotilla, delivering humanitarian aid to famine-hit Gaza. Hundreds gathered to see them off, showing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and growing humanitarian crisis.
During a UN Security Council briefing on Syria, Greek Deputy Permanent Representative Ioannis Stamatekos emphasized…
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “a true disgrace to the human race” during a liturgy on Heybeliada island, urging peaceful transformation over violence and calling on the Church to remain a beacon of hope in times of conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces backlash for announcing Britain will recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel addresses Gaza’s humanitarian crisis by September. Critics, including Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, accuse him of rewarding Hamas, while UK opponents call it political posturing.
Pope Leo faces mounting pressure to undertake a bold aid mission to Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, following Israeli airstrikes that killed three Christians at the Holy Family Catholic Church. Critics urge him to move beyond words and confront the blockade, as starvation claims lives.
Greece and 28 international partners issued a joint statement on July 22, 2025, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemning Israel’s aid restrictions and settlement plans as violations of international law, and urging the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 2023.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Bosra, Horan, Jabal al-Arab, and the Golan has issued an urgent plea for global intervention to stop the brutal massacres of Druze and Christians in Suwayda, Syria. Describing the violence as a “war of annihilation,” the Archdiocese calls on the United Nations and the international community to protect civilians amid escalating sectarian attacks.
On July 18, 2025, Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited Gaza to support its suffering population amid a 21-month humanitarian crisis. Their joint mission, a powerful symbol of Christian unity, follows attacks on Gaza’s churches and aims to deliver aid and hope while calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, addressing the UN Security Council, condemned escalating violence in Syria’s Sweida region and attacks on religious sites, including Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches. He called for a Syrian-led, inclusive political transition in line with UN Resolution 2254 and urged full protection of all religious and ethnic communities amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In the quiet coastal village of Agia Galini, Crete, tensions boiled over last night as 150 migrants arrived at the port under Frontex escort. Local residents, frustrated by the island’s strained resources, blocked buses meant to transport the newcomers, sparking a standoff. With over 1,200 migrants landing on Crete in just 48 hours, the island grapples with a deepening crisis amid a heatwave and limited infrastructure. The mayor is set to address the unrest today as more arrivals are reported in Paleochora and Kaloi Limenes.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking after the EU summit in Brussels, urged renewed diplomatic efforts on Iran’s nuclear program and called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He also raised alarm over a new migration route from Eastern Libya to Crete, stressing the need for coordinated European action and stronger border surveillance.
Germany halts funding for Mediterranean migrant sea rescues, redirecting resources to address migration causes in source countries, sparking debate over humanitarian impact.
Greece will continue to uphold its principled stance on the Palestinian issue and support efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis told Parliament on Friday. Backing an Arab-led peace and reconstruction plan, he emphasized the urgency of diplomatic cooperation amid rising regional tensions. His remarks came in response to opposition criticism over the government’s ongoing ties with Israel despite war crime allegations.
Demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people were held last week in Chania, Samos, Thrace, and Patras, drawing crowds of demonstrators calling for an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and expressing opposition to Israel’s military operations.
SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance leader Sokratis Famellos met with President Constantine Tassoulas to express concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, accusing the Greek government of remaining silent amid what he called a “genocide.” Famellos urged Greece and the EU to take diplomatic and humanitarian action, warning that silence amounts to complicity.
Greek Left-Wing Leaders Unite in Urgent Appeal to Government to end humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza
The leaders of SYRIZA, the Greek Communist Party (KKE), the New Left, and the Course of Freedom have signed a joint statement calling on the Greek government to take decisive diplomatic action amid the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Thousands rallied in Athens’ Syntagma Square to protest the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel’s aid blockade. The Palestinian Community of Greece and activist groups demanded a free Palestine, while opposition parties criticized Greece’s vote against reviewing the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Greek opposition leader Sokratis Famellos has urged the government to join other European nations in condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, warning that continued silence amounts to complicity. Calling for a clear stance in support of peace and humanitarian aid, Famellos criticized Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for failing to act as civilian casualties mount in the conflict.
Six young children living in a migrant camp on the Greek island of Samos have been diagnosed with moderate to severe malnutrition, marking the first such cases since the facility opened in 2021, according to Doctors Without Borders. The medical charity says poor camp conditions, combined with limited pediatric care and the recent loss of asylum seeker stipends, have worsened the children’s health.
Tragedy struck off the Greek island of Lesbos as four migrants—a boy, a girl, and two women—were confirmed dead after their boat sank in the early hours of Thursday. Greece’s coastguard rescued 23 survivors, but the total number of passengers remains unknown, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation. The incident highlights the continuing risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings to Europe.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, killing at least 144 people and injuring 732, with fears of thousands more casualties. Centered near Mandalay, the quake caused widespread destruction, including a skyscraper collapse in Bangkok. Myanmar’s junta and the international community, including the WHO, are mobilizing aid as the nation grapples with a mounting humanitarian crisis.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over reports of violent clashes in Syria, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. In a statement, Athens called for all parties to show restraint and seek peaceful solutions to prevent further escalation. Greece emphasized the need for an inclusive political transition that protects all ethnic and religious communities, urging national unity amid ongoing instability in the region.
The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution co-authored by Greece and the United States, addressing the rising security threats in the Red Sea. The resolution condemns Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and oil terminals, stressing the importance of safeguarding this vital maritime route for global trade. It calls for immediate cessation of hostilities, the enforcement of an arms embargo, and the release of the detained *Galaxy Leader* crew. Greece reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security, highlighting its contributions to EU naval operations and urging a comprehensive political solution for Yemen’s stability.
Greece voiced deep concern over the escalating crisis in Yemen at the UN Security Council, condemning Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and calling for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy. Greek Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris emphasised support for the Yemeni government, a political solution, and urgent humanitarian aid, while urging unity within the Security Council and protection of maritime security in the region.
At least five migrants have died, dozens are missing, and over 200 have been rescued in a series of operations near the Greek island of Crete, the Coast Guard reported. Multiple vessels, helicopters, and international forces, including the Italian Navy and Frontex, are involved in ongoing rescue efforts following separate incidents driven by the surge in migration linked to Middle Eastern conflicts.
