Israel’s right to self-defense should be exercised in line with international law: Greek premier

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Israel’s right to self-defense should be exercised under international law, the Greek premier said Saturday.

“Greece's position was extremely clear from the beginning. Israel has the right to self-defense, but always in accordance with international law, and human rights law,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the Cairo Peace Summit in Egypt.

“At the same time, I want to be clear: Collective punishment is prohibited by the laws governing wars, and these laws are designed to say that there are limits to the harm and damage we can inflict on other human beings in cases of war,” he said.

Arguing that Hamas causes suffering for Israelis and Palestinians and should not be identified with the Palestinian people, Mitsotakisc urged the immediate release of hostages and permission to access humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“No military intervention can replace a viable political solution," he said, while reiterating that Greece remains committed to a two-state solution.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Palestinian resistance group 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.

At least 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. The figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.

A humanitarian convoy of 20 trucks began to enter the Gaza Strip on Saturday from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing. It was the first since the armed conflict erupted earlier this month.