Greece concerned over Israeli attack on Rafah, possible spread of conflict to other regions

By Derya Ozcan

ATHENS (AA) – Greece on Thursday expressed concern about an Israeli attack on Rafah in the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza and opposition to any plan to displace people from their homeland.

Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said in a joint statement issued after meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki that Greece is worried about the possible spread of the ongoing conflict to other regions.

He added that Athens remains committed to the two-state solution as the only way to ensure peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.

“We oppose any plan which would include displacement of Palestinians from their homeland,” Gerapetritis remarked.

Maliki, for his part, emphasized the urgent need for a solution that would allow for civilian security and the entry of more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Gaza became inhabitable as a result of the Israeli attacks, as Netanyahu wanted, Maliki said, emphasizing global efforts to stop Israel's onslaught as soon as possible.

Israel launched a deadly offensive on Gaza on Oct. 7, killing more than 28,600 Palestinians and injuring 67,147 others, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli offensive has left 85% of Gaza’s population internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.