FM Sa’ar’s comments on the President of the European Commission’s remarks

The President of the european commission‘s comments this morning are regrettable. Some of them are also tainted by echoing the false propaganda of Hamas and its partners. Once again, Europe conveys the wrong message that strengthens Hamas and the radical axis in the Middle East.

Israel, the world’s only Jewish state and the only democracy in the Middle East, is fighting a war of existence against extremist enemies working to eliminate it. The international community must back Israel in this struggle.

The President is well aware of Israel’s efforts—together with, among others, the European Union itself—to assist the humanitarian effort in Gaza. These are significant efforts carried out under complex conditions for nearly two years. The results of this effort are evident on the ground, including by the dramatic decline in the prices of basic goods in Gaza.

And yet, the main point was missing from the President’s statement: the suffering in Gaza is entirely the work of Hamas. The war itself began with Hamas’s invasion of Israel and the Oct. 7th massacre. Its continuation is the result of Hamas’s persistent refusal to release our hostages and lay down its arms. The suffering inflicted on both Israelis and Palestinians alike is Hamas’s fault.

Anyone who seeks an end to the war knows very well how to end it: the release of the hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, a new future for Gaza. Hurting Israel will not bring this about; on the contrary, it entrenches Hamas and Israel’s enemies in their refusal.

The President of the Commission errs in yielding to the pressures of elements that seek to undermine Israel–Europe relations. This trend is contrary to the interests of the European states themselves. And mainly: this is not acceptable conduct between partners.