The meeting was held to discuss the situation in the Middle East in the context of rapid escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the wake of Hamas’s terrorist attacks on Israel’s civilian population, which started on 7 October.

Speaking at the Council, Deputy Minister Gerwel reiterated Poland’s condemnation of Hamas’s attacks on civilians. He called on an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages by Hamas. He added that Israel has the right to defend itself in compliance with international law and international humanitarian law.

The Polish MFA undersecretary of state also stressed the need to provide humanitarian aid to the civil population of the Gaza Strip. He thanked the staff of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as well as that of UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for their engagement. The deputy head of Polish diplomacy also recalled Poland’s efforts to stabilise the Middle East through political activity, humanitarian and development aid, and the deployment of Polish troops under the UN peace mission in Lebanon (UNFIL).

“Poland knows very well the consequences of war, invasion and terror, which are felt for generations,” said Deputy Minister Gerwel, calling on all the parties not to succumb to the logic of violence. He added that no act of violence would bring closer a peaceful solution, and a return to a diplomatic path is the only hope. The official also reiterated Poland’s commitment to the two-state solution built upon international law.

 

MFA Press Office