Israel’s ambassador successful Athens, Noam Katz, pushed backmost sharply against mounting planetary disapproval of his country’s warfare successful Gaza, insisting that Israel is not committing genocide but warring “a hard and horrible war” against Hamas.
In an exclusive interrogation with protothema.gr, Katz said the Israeli Defense Forces are moving into Gaza City’s astir fortified Hamas stronghold — a densely populated country with an extended passageway network. “Our main objectives are the harmless instrumentality of 48 hostages inactive held by Hamas and the demolition of Hamas’s subject capacity,” helium said. “The warfare tin extremity time if Hamas lays down its weapons and its enactment leaves.”
On genocide accusations
With planetary outrage growing, Katz dismissed the usage of the word genocide arsenic “wrong and dangerous.” He compared Israel’s run to the planetary combat against ISIS. “The satellite fought ISIS for 4 and a fractional years until it was destroyed. Nobody made a woody with ISIS,” helium argued.
He emphasized that humanitarian assistance is reaching Gaza: “Over 1,700 trucks entered this week. There are organisation problems, but nary restrictions from Israel.”
On flotilla and Hamas links
Asked astir a flotilla attempting to interruption the naval blockade of Gaza, Katz said Israel had projected unloading assistance successful Ashkelon for transportation to Gaza, but insisted the organizers were linked to Hamas. “They service Hamas’s interests. If their extremity is humanitarian, they are invited to present done Ashkelon,” helium noted.
Relations with Greece
Katz praised Greece arsenic a “strategic partner” contempt occasional differences, pointing to practice connected assistance deliveries and Athens’ calls for the merchandise of hostages. “Greece has a balanced and intelligent presumption of this analyzable situation,” helium said.
Tourism and security
On Israeli visitors to Greece, Katz downplayed information concerns aft protests by pro-Palestinian activists. “In August alone, much than 250,000 Israelis visited Greece. They acquisition Greek hospitality, bask their stay, and lend importantly to the economy,” helium said, adding that astir 1 cardinal Israelis question to Greece annually.
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