Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has voiced strong criticism regarding international pressure and diplomatic efforts surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, attributing setbacks to what he describes as biased statements and a failure to hold Hamas accountable.
Saar stated that a recent declaration signed by over 20 nations urging an end to the conflict in Gaza, which Germany did not endorse, was “colossally damaging” to ongoing negotiations. The statement, which also called for the release of hostages held by Hamas, allegedly led to a hardening of the group’s position and contributed to the collapse of ceasefire talks in Doha. He contrasted Germany’s stance with what he characterized as a less rational approach from other EU member states.
Saar placed responsibility for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza squarely on Hamas, accusing the group of looting UN aid deliveries and diverting resources for recruitment and prolonging the conflict. He dismissed reports, including those from “The New York Times” citing Israeli military sources, suggesting a systematic theft of UN supplies by Hamas. He noted that significantly more aid – an estimated 500 trucks daily – is currently needed, compared to the approximately 70 trucks currently entering Gaza each day.
He suggested the extensive international focus on the humanitarian situation stems from an anti-Israel sentiment. He implicitly defended remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who described Israel’s actions as performing “dirty work” for the world.
Saar rejected the notion of international sanctions or premature recognition of a future Palestinian state and stated Israel will continue military operations until all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled. He asserted that Israel does not intend to govern Gaza or forcibly displace Palestinians, but believes many Palestinians desire to leave the territory and that Israel has a responsibility to facilitate this.
Regarding the West Bank, Saar referred to the area as “disputed territories” rather than occupied territory. He expressed reservations about a two-state solution, arguing that a Palestinian state established under current conditions would risk becoming a “jihadist terrorist state” within Israel’s territory.
Currently, 469,500 people in Gaza are experiencing hunger at the highest level on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) scale – surpassed only by the 637,234 people facing a similar crisis in Sudan.