Greek security council reviews developments regarding Israel-Palestine conflict

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greece’s National Governmental Security Council (KYSEA) on Thursday reviewed developments regarding the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

“All aspects of the crisis in the region were discussed, with an emphasis on security, internal and external. The Greek authorities are always on alert. The policy of guarding the land and sea borders continues unabated,” said a government statement.

The repatriation of Greek nationals under the coordination of the Foreign Ministry was also discussed during the meeting, it noted.

It said the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens remains one of the four locations in Europe for evacuation flights from Israel.

The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air.

Hamas said it was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

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

That response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

More than 2,700 people have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict Saturday, including more than 1,400 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis.