Just one day after the “Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh” and the signing of the historic peace agreement for Gaza, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with the Foreign Minister of Palestine, after which he stated that Greece is now closer to recognizing the State of Palestine.
Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized that the agreement between Israel and Hamas itself constitutes tangible proof of the power of diplomacy, noting that full implementation of the first phase of American President Trump’s peace plan is critical. “Achieving a ceasefire to stop the bloodshed, the release of hostages, and massive provision of humanitarian aid constitute a decisive first step toward a comprehensive settlement and the resumption of the political process, aimed at a two-state solution based on UN Security Council Resolutions,” he stated characteristically.
George Gerapetritis: Although the guns have fallen silent in Gaza, the road is long
He stressed that “it is imperative that the plan be implemented fully,” emphasizing that while “the guns have fallen silent in Gaza, the road is long”. He expressed concern about ongoing provocations and risks of escalation in the West Bank and underlined that full Palestinian and Palestinian Authority participation in all aspects of plan implementation – in security, governance, and Gaza reconstruction – is absolutely necessary.
The Greek Foreign Minister also referred to Greece’s traditionally strong ties with the Arab world, reminding that our country has historically stood by the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, both politically and economically. “Greece was present at the historic Peace Summit, in the presence of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. I had the special honor of accompanying the Prime Minister and experiencing firsthand the anguish but also the hope of the Palestinian people,” he declared.
Greek initiatives
Mr. Gerapetritis further emphasized that “Greece aspires to play an active role in the next day in Gaza and the Middle East,” noting that our country is ready to contribute substantially to plan implementation, “always based on international law and UN Security Council decisions.”
Referring to Greek initiatives, he highlighted three main axes:
- Massive provision of humanitarian aid for civilian population relief.
- Gaza stabilization, to ensure security conditions and achieve the Palestinian Authority’s return.
- Regional reconstruction, through mobilization of the Greek private sector, aimed at “improving Palestinians’ lives through development.”
“Greece will continue from every position – bilaterally, in the EU and at the UN – to actively support every initiative that promotes a just and sustainable Middle East solution and peace in the broader region,” he stressed, adding meaningfully: “With the start of the political solution’s first phase, Greece is already one step closer to its declared position on recognizing the State of Palestine.”
For her part, the Palestinian Foreign Minister stated that “we must seize the peace opportunity that exists today.” As she said, “we may not yet know 100% what the agreement includes, but we must make it succeed.”
“From Palestine’s side, we will do everything we can to move from the first to the second stage; at the end of the road we see the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” she emphasized, noting that “the people of Gaza are shattered and all countries must contribute.” In closing, she underlined: “Today we are closer to Palestine’s liberation. We may not yet see it before us, but in our hearts we are now closer.”
