ATHENS, Oct. 9 New leader of the largest opposition Greek party SYRIZA Stefanos Kasselakis called on Israel and Palestine to abandon the logic of “revenge” and resume negotiations on a peaceful solution to the two-state problem.
«The logic of 'revenge', regardless of civilian casualties, in the fight against terrorist attacks, as stated by the Israeli Prime Minister, is disastrous for Israelis and Palestinians,» Kasselakis said.
A concerted international effort for a ceasefire is needed to resume negotiations for a peaceful two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with the Palestinian state capital in East Jerusalem, he said.
Kasselakis condemned the attack by Hamas militants, which damaged the security of Israelis and Palestinians, and with it the prospect of resuming negotiations. «Hamas's disgusting actions have come to light and must be investigated as war crimes,» the statement said.
At the same time, the Syriza leader noted Israel’s responsibility for the situation. “The prospect of peaceful coexistence between the two states has been systematically undermined in the previous period by illegal Israeli settlements and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, as well as by escalating tensions and attacks on Palestinian civilians, with the Israeli state largely responsible,” he said.
Kasselakis said the Greek government should take initiatives to support war victims by offering assistance in Greek hospitals to wounded Palestinians and Israelis and coordinating the accommodation of families fleeing their homes.
“It must also make every possible effort for peace and stability in the region on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and oppose war crimes regardless of who commits them,” the opposition leader said.
On the morning of October 7, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters, after massive rocket attacks, penetrated into the border areas in southern Israel.
The military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement announced Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel. The Israel Defense Forces announced the launch of Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an address to the nation, said that the country was in a state of war and said that he had ordered a widespread mobilization of reserves. The Israeli military is clearing populated areas.
The number of dead Israeli residents as a result of the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has exceeded 800, Israel's state radio Kan reported on Monday.
According to the latest data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the death toll as a result of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has exceeded 560.
The Al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) said they had captured dozens of Israeli soldiers and officers. Hamas Politburo member Musa Abu Marzouk later reported that more than 100 Israeli citizens, including high-ranking military officials, were captured and held in the Gaza Strip.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier stated the need to urgently stop the bloodshed between Israel and Palestine and called on the parties to stop hostilities. According to him, a solution to the Palestinian problem is possible only on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions, which presuppose the coexistence of two states.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, related to the territorial interests of the parties, has been a source of tension and clashes in the region for many decades. A UN decision with the active role of the USSR in 1947 determined the creation of two states — Israel and Palestine, but only the Israeli one was created. Israel, while declaring agreement with the two-state principle, did not completely liberate the Palestinian territories.