RIGA - Peace in the Gaza Strip is only possible if the Hamas terrorist group relinquishes power, lays down arms and ceases activities, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) said Thursday during a meeting with Varsen Aghabekian-Shahin, the Palestinian Authority's State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
As LETA was told at the Foreign Ministry, the officials discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Gaza Strip, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Latvia's security concerns and the country's priorities in the UN Security Council. Braze stressed that the attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and the violence of the terrorist movement were unacceptable and condemnable.
The Latvian foreign minister said that Israel's actions against the population in the Gaza Strip were also condemnable, and that attacks on hospitals and journalists were unacceptable. In her view, this in no way contributes to Israel's own security and to peace in the Middle East.
"The dramatic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip poses a growing danger to the population. Israel has a duty to respect the principles of international law and international humanitarian law, i.e., not to cause civilian casualties while exercising its right to self-defense," the Latvian foreign minister said at a media briefing.
Braze pointed out that, having received reports from international organizations on the risks of widespread famine in the Gaza Strip and the high number of civilian casualties, Latvia has expressed its concern and readiness to assist both through the European Union and international non-governmental organizations. Latvia has called on Israel to ensure that international non-governmental organizations have access to the Gaza Strip in order to provide the necessary assistance, Braze said.
Hamas must release the Israeli hostages. We do not believe that Hamas can be a factor in the peace process... We also do not support Israel's plans to expand illegal settlements, and together with other countries we have called on Israel to reconsider this decision, the Latvian minister said.
As LETA was told at the Foreign Ministry, Braze presented Latvia's position on Russia's war against Ukraine and its global impact. She stressed the need to strengthen political and economic pressure against the aggressor state and to promote Russia's isolation in international organizations.
Iran's destabilizing role in the Middle East region was also discussed in the meeting. Latvia supports the EU's policy of sanctions against Iran, aimed at curbing its role in Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Iran's nuclear program and its aggressive regional policy in support of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Braze stressed the need for coordinated action to curb the spread of terrorism and Russia's destabilizing influence throughout the Middle East region.
The Palestinian minister for foreign affairs and expatriates noted that the conversation had focused on the aggression and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as the growing hostility and deteriorating conditions in the West Bank. In her view, all this calls for immediate action, starting with an end to the aggression, the release of the hostages and the provision of humanitarian relief.
"Our first priority is to see an end to the war and to see humanitarian aid reach Gaza unhindered. We have highlighted what is happening in the Gaza Strip - the killings, the high number of wounded, the children dying of starvation and the daily violence against us, the Palestinians, in the West Bank," said Aghabekian-Shahin.
According to her, the Palestinians seek independence and sovereignty for their country in accordance with international law. The Palestinian minister called on Latvia and other countries that believe in and respect international law to step forward and recognize the State of Palestine. She believes that the recognition of the Palestinian state is an important factor in preserving the two-state solution and preventing extremists "from any side" from undermining the two-state solution.
"The two-state solution is the only viable solution. We want all the countries of the world to stand for a two-state solution. (...) We appreciate Latvia's humanitarian assistance to various organizations, including UNRWA, the lifeline for Palestinian refugees. Continuity of support for UNRWA is vital," said Aghabekian-Shahin.
In the attacks on October 7, 2023, Hamas and other militant groups killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and took hostage more than 250 people to the Gaza Strip.
Israel has been conducting a military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years. While the efforts to destroy Hamas are justified in the West, Israel has also been criticized by several politicians for excessive civilian casualties and insufficient efforts to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. For example, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the end of July that Britain would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel did not agree to a ceasefire and other conditions to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.
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