Greece calls for extension of Gaza humanitarian pause

ATHENS

Greece expressed support for the ongoing humanitarian pause in Gaza between Israel and Hamas and called for its extension on Monday.

"We are firmly of the opinion that this humanitarian pause needs to create a positive momentum, a positive dynamic. And that means that we need to extend the humanitarian pause," said Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in an interview with the American news broadcaster CNBC.

Gerapetritis highlighted the need to increase the capacity of humanitarian aid entering Gaza and swiftly restore essential facilities to normal operations.

Highlighting the importance of finding a lasting solution to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict, Gerapetritis added, "And mostly I think we need an extended humanitarian pause in order to start thinking about the day after. Because the important thing is to foresee the permanent ceasefire and a permanent solution according to the Security Council resolutions. It is important to start seriously discussing the day after."

"What matters now is to find a sustainable settlement of the situation. And that is why all governments are now exercising pressure for the extension of the humanitarian pause," he said.

Gerapetritis also reiterated Greece's support for Ukraine and Sweden's NATO bid, emphasizing that it would strengthen the alliance.

A four-day humanitarian pause mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US went into effect on Friday, temporarily halting Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Despite widespread calls to continue the pause or make it permanent, Israel has vowed to resume its attacks once the pause concludes. It has only left open the possibility of extending the pause if hostage swaps continue.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following an Oct. 7 cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.

It has since killed at least 14,854 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and more than 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave. The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.