Greek premier says 'extremely important to restore humanitarian aid to Gaza from Egypt'

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed concern Thursday about the recent developments in the Middle East.

"I do not need to tell you how concerned we are over the developments in the Middle East and, unfortunately, over this escalation in the conflict whose primary victims are civilians on both sides after the horrific, lethal attack within Israel by Hamas. Unfortunately, we also have significant loss of human lives in the Gaza Strip,'' Mitsotakis said after meeting President Katerina Sakelaropulu in Athens.

Mitsotakis said Israel has the right to legitimate defense, but it must be carried out with absolute respect for international law and the protection of civilian life in the Gaza Strip.

"It is extremely important to restore humanitarian aid to Gaza from Egypt. The European countries are working in this direction and support this policy," he said, adding, that he will have the opportunity to relay Greece's views on the issue when he attends a multilateral conference Saturday in Cairo.

Greece strove and earned its role as a pillar of stability in the region and is an interlocutor for all sides, as well as the first country to desire a de-escalation of the tension, according to Mitsotakis.

Tension escalated across the Palestinian territories amid a massive Israeli air campaign on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group, Hamas, into Israeli border towns.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urged an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. The death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.