Middle East

Since ancient times, Greece has maintained close historical and cultural ties with all the peoples of the Middle East.  This region is part of Greece's wider neighbourhood and as such is among the priority regions of Greek foreign policy.

The Palestinian issue is at the heart of efforts to consolidate peace, security and stability in the region. Greece contributes both bilaterally and regionally, as well as in the EU framework, to every effort to resolve it, towards a two-state solution, on the basis of international law and the relevant UN Resolutions.

The current crisis in the Middle East region, as it emerged after the terrorist attack by Hamas on the 7th of October and Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, has created a new context for the Middle East resolution process. Our country's position in this regard is clear: Greece condemns terrorism, supports Israel's right to self-defense, while respecting international humanitarian law, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. At the same time, Greece emphasizes the need to prevent the escalation of the conflict, to protect civilians, and above all to address the consequences of the humanitarian crisis, through the implementation of extensive humanitarian pauses and the creation of humanitarian corridors for the safe and rapid delivery of aid to the people of Gaza.

Finally, Greece separates the Palestinian people from Hamas, considering the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of the right of the Palestinians to establish a national home within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This particular solution is the only one that satisfactorily responds to Israel's long-standing demand for security and the Palestinians' demand for an independent and sovereign state.