“We must condemn in the strongest possible terms the extremist Hamas for its unforgivably barbaric acts” underlined the former prime minister, George Papandreouon the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the Middle East, speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg, on behalf of the socialist group SOC-Socialists, Democrats and Greens.

Mr. Papandreou noted that the Council of Europe was established to protect human rightsthe rule of law and democracy, as the foundation of peace on the European continent, and for this reason, what is happening today touches us deeply.

“In the coming days, we will witness even more destruction, more suffering and more pain on both sides. We will face difficult challenges: We must support Israel’s right to defend itself. We know however that Hamas is not the Palestinian people, who are also victims of this conflict” he observed and stressed that pressure must be exerted to release all Israeli hostages, including children, women and the elderly.

He added that the protection of innocent Palestinian civilians needed to be sought, pointing out that cutting off electricity and food supplies to Gaza only feeds the extremists.

“We must stand against those forces who want to see this conflict escalate and become a threat to the wider peace. Or become a pawn in a global geopolitical power game. Or those who want to drown out every voice of moderation so that extremists then become the main players in their societiesGeorge Papandreou emphasized.

He expressed concern about the developments that endanger a democratic future, both for Israel, Palestine, and for the wider region with the potential risk of authoritarianism and fundamentalism taking over.

“Our answer can only be one: Here in the Council of Europe, as global citizens, we must keep alive the vision of peace in the Middle East. We now realize that military force alone cannot guarantee security. We know that violence begets more violence,” the former prime minister emphasized.

Mr. Papandreou concluded by saying that it is necessary “to collectively pressure the international community, the US, the EU, the UN, to intensify diplomatic efforts to end this war. It is our duty to continue working for a two-state solution and to support the democratic forces of Israel and Palestine, who sincerely believe that a shared future is possible. A future where the people of Israel will be safe, and the people of Palestine will be able to dream of a brighter tomorrow, where they can share the fruits of peace, prosperity, democracy and human rights.

A peace based on our collective international conventions, which will guarantee – this time – that it will be a lasting peace, for all».