UNITED NATIONS: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a key partner of Israel within the European Union, warned Friday that Israel risked losing remaining friends with its destructive war in Gaza.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, the center-right Greek leader said Israel had a right to self-defense after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas but cannot “justify the death of thousands of children.”
“Greece maintains a strategic partnership with Israel, but this does not prevent us from speaking openly and frankly,” Mitsotakis said.
“The continuation of this course of action will ultimately harm Israel’s own interests, leading to an erosion of international support,” he said.
“I tell my Israeli friends they risk alienating all their remaining allies if they persist on a path that is shattering the potential of a two-state solution.”
Greece did not join European powers including France and Britain, which in recent days recognized a Palestinian state as they voiced exasperation with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — who in a fiery UN speech earlier Friday accused Western leaders of fanning antisemitism — flew over Greece as he took a circuitous route to New York in light of an arrest warrant he faces from the International Criminal Court.
Greece has found common interests with Israel due to tensions both have with Turkiye, which has expanded influence sharply in Syria since the fall of leader Bashar Assad in December.
But Israel also faces wide public criticism in Greece and Mitsotakis’s left-wing predecessor Alexis Tsipras has urged recognition of a Palestinian state.
Greek PM warns Israel risks losing friends
https://arab.news/rft9f
Greek PM warns Israel risks losing friends
- Mitsotakis said: “The continuation of this course of action will ultimately harm Israel’s own interests”
- “I tell my Israeli friends they risk alienating all their remaining allies if they persist”
Abbas says Palestinians stand in solidarity with Jordan amid US-Iran tensions
- Palestinian president condemned Iranian attacks targeting Jordan
- Al-Aqsa Mosque has remained closed since Saturday morning as Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency
LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed solidarity with Jordan during a phone call with King Abdullah II on Tuesday.
Abbas condemned the Iranian attacks targeting Jordan, reaffirming the Palestinian rejection of any assault that undermines Jordan’s sovereignty or threatens its security and stability, according to Wafa news agency.
After the military actions by the Israeli and US forces in Iran on Saturday, Iran launched suicide drones and missiles into the cities of the Arab Gulf. It also targeted US fighter jets deployed in Azraq, while some missiles struck civilian areas.
Abbas highlighted the importance of dialogue and expressed support for Arab efforts to protect Arab nations, and ensure their security against attacks that violate international law, Wafa added.
For the fourth consecutive day, Israeli forces have intensified military measures throughout the occupied West Bank, closing checkpoints and entrances to cities, towns and villages.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem has remained closed since Saturday morning, as Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency amid the conflict with Iran.
