NATO warns nations, groups 'hostile towards Israel' seizing on Gaza clashes

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday warned "nations, organizations hostile towards Israel" against taking advantage of the current situation, marked by fighting between the country and Gaza-based Palestinian group Hamas.

Speaking at a news conference after the two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers, Secretary-General Stoltenberg said allied nations "strongly condemned Hamas for the indefensible attacks on civilians and called for the immediate release of all hostages."

"No nation, organization hostile to Israel should seek to take advantage of the situation or to escalate the conflict," he warned.

The call applies to "organizations like (Lebanese group) Hezbollah or countries like Iran," he added.

Stoltenberg said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed his NATO counterparts at the meeting and showed pictures and videos confirming "the brutality of the attacks on innocent civilians" which made a "strong impact" on the ministers.

"Israel has the right to defend itself and the conflict unfolds," Stoltenberg asserted.

"The protection of civilians is essential," he added.

At the meeting, the defense ministers also discussed NATO's continued support for Ukraine and the future of the alliance's missions in Kosovo and Iraq.

Stoltenberg underlined that NATO expects Serbia and Kosovo to "behave responsibly, refrain from destabilizing actions, and engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue" amid simmering tensions between the two Balkan neighbors.