Mitsotakis: “I will not call what is happening in Gaza a genocide”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he would not describe Israel’s military operations in Gaza as “genocide,” though he acknowledged the situation as a “major humanitarian catastrophe.”
In an interview with ANT1 television, Mitsotakis stated:
“A great humanitarian disaster is unfolding, but I will not use that word (genocide). It is a very heavy term.”
The prime minister defended Israel’s right to respond after “an unimaginable attack,” but stressed that “the scale of the violence cannot be justified.” He added that he had conveyed these views directly to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On the European Commission’s proposal to suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement and impose sanctions on Israeli officials, Mitsotakis expressed opposition:
“Greece will state its position at the EU Council, but I am certain such a decision would not serve the interests of either Europe or Greece.”
Earlier this week, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced the proposal, which would suspend key provisions of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement granting Israel preferential trade access.
