Greece called for a balanced approach that respects humanitarian principles, promotes diplomatic dialogue and seeks a sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on mutual recognition and respect for international law, during the Security Council Emergency Session convened at the request of Algeria following the Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza.

The Greek Permanent Representative, ambassador E. Sekeris highlighted “the deep misery experienced by the population of Gaza over the last 14 months due to the ongoing conflict and underlined that the situation, which includes attacks on hospitals and the collapse of health services, has brought the health care system to the brink of complete collapse” and expressed Greece’s “intense concern about the continuation of the conflict”, underlining “the need to end the humanitarian crisis and protection of civilians”.

International Humanitarian Law and the Right to Self-Defense

Greece, said Mr. Sekeris, recognized Israel’s right to self-defense, given the significant losses, such as the 1,200 dead civilians and 100 hostages who remain in captivity in the last year. However, he stressed that “all actions must be guided by international and humanitarian law,” noting that “according to international law hospitals should not be used for military purposes or targeted under vague charges.”

“The attacks that caused the deaths of patients, medical staff and humanitarian workers, pointing out that these are serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law,” said Mr. Sekeris.

Greece called for the opening of crossings for the unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid and for ensuring that shelters remain safe havens and do not turn into “death traps” for those forced to flee their homes.

“UNRWA’s operations remain vital to the civilian population,” said Mr. Sekeris.

The Greek Permanent Representative underlined “the need for diplomacy and dialogue and referred to the devastating attacks of 7 October 2023” as a painful reminder of the human cost of the conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and the unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale “.

“Military pressure alone is not enough to defeat terrorism and extremist ideologies,” said Mr. Sekeris.

Two State Solution

Mr. Sekeris reiterated Greece’s support for the two-state solution, according to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, “as the only viable solution for lasting peace” and underlined the need to respect Israel’s right to exist in security while ensuring the Palestinian self-determination through a political horizon.

“The only long-term solution for the region is to revitalize the political process to pave the way for a political horizon of a two-state solution, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolution, while recognizing Israel’s right to exist in peace and security,” he said. Mr. Sekeris.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Sekeris emphasized that “the pursuit of peace is a precious ‘gift’ that the international community must try to offer”.

During the Emergency Session of the Security Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, presented the situation in Gaza as an evolving humanitarian disaster with a global impact. His report documented serious violations of international law during the conflicts, highlighting the devastating consequences on health infrastructure.

The report documents continuous attacks on hospitals from October 2023 to June 2024, with airstrikes, ground raids, evacuations of patients and staff, and arrests, rendering hospitals inoperable.

Mr. Turk highlighted the severe lack of health care and the immediate consequences for the sick and injured, saying many women gave birth without support, resulting in increased neonatal deaths.

As he said “over 1,050 doctors and nurses have been killed in Gaza, with at least 136 attacks on 27 hospitals and 12 other health facilities”.

Mr. Turk said that although Israel has claimed that some hospitals, such as Kamal Adwan, were used for military purposes by Hamas, these claims have not been sufficiently substantiated.

After the completion of Israel’s military operation in the north, Mr. Turks, the areas “have been almost completely emptied of Palestinians, with many families being displaced and left without safe havens”.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stressed that “the use of heavy weapons against hospitals is contrary to the principle of distinction between military targets and civilians and that such actions may constitute war crimes.”

Mr. Turk immediately demanded:

– Independent investigation into attacks on health facilities.

– Immediate opening of channels for humanitarian aid.

– Unconditional release of all hostages and an end to arbitrary detentions.

– Termination of the Israeli presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.

Mr. Turk concluded that “restoring the health care system must be a priority in any future reconstruction effort, while underscoring the need for accountability and the ultimate protection of civilians.”