Minister Rau condemned the acts of terror committed by Hamas and other extremist groups. He added that the conflict has been causing immense suffering. The minister also hoped for the release and return home of all persons held hostage by Hamas. He noted that Israel’s response to the recent events must conform to international standards, while the protection of civilians on both sides of the conflict should be a priority.

The head of the Polish MFA also brought up the talks he held after Hamas’s recent conflict escalation with Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen, his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki, and with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, and Jordan, Ayman al-Safadi, in which he had deplored the ensuing acts of violence.

Minister Rau expressed his belief that it is partners from the Middle East that are best positioned to bring about de-escalation. He at the same time appreciated the mediation effort taken by the region’s countries. At that point he gave special thanks to Qatar and Egypt for their involvement in the processes undertaken to release the hostages. He also called on all engaged partners to redouble their efforts to enable third country nationals to leave the Gaza Strip.

During the meeting with the diplomats, the chief of Polish diplomacy emphasised that the continued flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza must be secured. Minister Rau announced in this context that Poland decided to contribute an additional PLN 1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The diplomats also discussed current Middle Eastern issues.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA