שר החוץ סער לצד שרת החוץ של האיחוד האירופי: "הפיגוע הבוקר תוצאה של ההסתה המתמשכת של הרשות הפלסטינית"

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar at Press Conference in Jerusalem with E.U. High Rep. for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas: "We are now fighting the war of the free world. Iran, Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah attack us - because we are nearby. But make no mistake - their war is against Western civilization. Against its values and its ways of life. It is only natural for us to expect more support from Europe. We saw this morning the barbaric attack near Yokneam, which cost the life of a 75-year old man. This is a result of the ongoing incitement in the P.A." Full Remarks: "E.U. High Rep. for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, welcome to Jerusalem DC, David's Capital. We appreciate your visit and I appreciate your friendship. Last month, you hosted me in Brussels and we renewed the important E.U.-Israel Association Council meeting. It was a chance to conduct a constructive and open dialogue. The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner and an important ally. We share a common history (partly painful), shared values, shared challenges and shared interests. Sometimes there are also differences of opinion. That is okay. Israel is a strategic asset to Europe. We are now fighting the war of the free world. Iran, Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah attack us - because we are nearby. But make no mistake - their war is against Western civilization. Against its values and its ways of life. It is only natural for us to expect more support from Europe. We saw this morning the barbaric attack near Yokneam, which cost the life of a 75-year old man. This is a result of the ongoing incitement in the P.A. In our dangerous region, stability and de-radicalization cannot be attained through weakness. Only after ISIS was defeated on the battlefield, did it stop drawing young Europeans to its ranks. It is not true that radical ideologies cannot be defeated. If terror and extremism are eradicated in the Middle East, it will make Europe safer. And if not, the opposite will be the case. For a week now, Israel has been operating against the Hamas terrorist state in Gaza. Israel agreed to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's proposals to extend the temporary ceasefire. But Hamas twice rejected them. They are still holding in cruel captivity 59 of our citizens as hostages. They left us no choice. The war can end tomorrow - with releasing our hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the withdrawal of the armed Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces from there. War is not an ideology - we would be happy and we will be happy to achieve our aims by diplomatic means. But if that is not possible - we have no choice but continuing our military efforts. Not achieving our war goals would have terrible consequences - for Israel, for our security, and for the whole region. Israel is acting in accordance with international law. Article 70 of the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva Convention requires aid when "the civilian population is not adequately supplied". During the 42-day ceasefire, Israel allowed 25,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza. According to Article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, a side is not obliged to allow in aid if it is "likely to assist the military or economic efforts of the enemy". Hamas used the goods to finance its activities, to restore its military capabilities and to recruit new young terrorists. And as President Biden said on October 18th, 2023, "if Hamas diverts or steals the assistance, it will stop the international community from being able to provide aid". It must be stated clearly - No country is obliged to facilitate a war against itself. Israel must not be held to a different standard! High Rep., Israel and the E.U. share many challenges. Along with our American friends, we must unite against the axis of evil of Iran, the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah. I believe that what we began in Brussels – can turn our challenges into opportunities. It can bring more stability and prosperity to Israel, to Europe, and to the free world." Credit: Yossi Cohen, GPO