By destroying Hamas or weakening it considerably, there is a much better chance of a peace process and stabilization in the region - Spruds

RIGA - By destroying the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, or weakening it as an organization, there would be a much better chance for a peace process and stabilization in the region, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) told LETA in an interview.

What we see now is worrying, and the risks of a wider conflict are looming. However, it should be remembered that this conflict started with brutal terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and that Israel now has every right to self-defense. This means that it is in Hamas that the major obstacle to a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the situation lies.

"If we look at the last few years, the situation in the Middle East has essentially gradually returned to normal. Yes, of course, there have always been elements of tension, but the peace agreements with a number of countries and the peace process with Saudi Arabia have shown that the region can become more and more secure and stable, that solutions can be found," Spruds said.

Spruds stressed that Hamas was targeting both civilians and, in fact, stability in the region. By destroying Hamas or weakening it as an organization, there is a much better chance of a peace process and stability in the region.

Terrorist organizations have been the germs of unrest and instability, the root causes of conflict. Consequently, such organizations must be targeted with all means possible. At the same time, diplomacy must also be exercised so that, in the heat of the conflict, it does not become a regional one.