Greek foreign minister denounces Israel's airstrike on UNRWA school-turned-shelter in Gaza

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis vilified an Israeli airstrike on a UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) school-turned-shelter on Thursday in the Gaza Strip that killed dozens of victims.

"We need to investigate it thoroughly, and we have to condemn any sort of activity and aggression. The situation is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe. We intend to take further steps," Gerapetritis told Anadolu at a news conference in New York after being elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

At least 39 displaced Palestinians were killed in the strike on a school sheltering thousands of displaced people in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Nothing that Greece has taken steps to achieve a "sustainable cease-fire," Gerapetritis voiced support for a peace deal proposed by US President Joe Biden.

"The truth is that the situation can have no other delays. Tomorrow would be already too late," he said.

Emphasizing the urgent need for a cease-fire, the release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid, the Greek diplomat stressed the need to offer Palestinians a sustainable vision for the future within the framework of a two-state solution.

He said there is no justification for disproportionate attacks. "This humanitarian nightmare needs to stop," he said.

- Denmark avoids condemning Israel's attack

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters in New York he does not have detailed information about the strike but noted his country generally supports a cease-fire.

He described Denmark as "best friends" of Israelis and Palestinians, while acknowledging the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

Rasmussen indicated the need for lasting peace within the framework of a two-state solution.

"Now, being elected member of the Security Council, we can work hard in order to achieve that," he said.

He said Israel has the right to defend itself, but it must do so within the framework of international law and international humanitarian law, and failure to do so would not be beneficial for Israel either.

Asked by Anadolu if he “condemns” the attack on the UNRWA school, Rasmussen said he would not use that word as he did not want to make "a political adjustment or assessment."