German, Czech, Slovakian FMs head to Jerusalem to show support
The ministers are expected to meet with Ashkenazi and then visit sites where Hamas missiles struck.
By LAHAV HARKOVPeople wave the flags of Israel and the Trade Union of the Police outside the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, May 19, 2021.(photo credit: MICHELE TANTUSSI/REUTERS)
Three European foreign ministers are expected to visit Israel this week, after the EU Foreign Affairs Committee failed to agree upon a statement on the fighting between Israel and Hamas.Germany’s Heiko Maas, the Czech Republic’s Kulhánek and Slovakia’s Ivan Korcok plan to visit Israel on Thursday. They were invited by Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.The trip is a way to “express solidarity and support,” the Foreign Ministry said, adding that more foreign ministers are expected to arrive next week as part of its efforts to strengthen the international legitimacy of Operation Guardian of the Walls.The ministers are expected to meet with Ashkenazi and then visit sites where Hamas missiles struck.“This is further proof of the broad support and legitimacy Israel has from the nations of the world throughout the days of fighting, thanks to the diplomatic efforts led by Israeli ambassadors around the world and Foreign Ministry workers in Jerusalem,” Ashkenazi said.The German Federal Foreign Office said Maas’s visit would focus on the “current escalation in the Middle East and the international efforts to end the violence.”Maas will also meet with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and President Reuven Rivlin and will go to Ramallah to meet Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. He will return to Germany later in the day.Korčok tweeted that his “visit is, first and foremost, a demonstration of the Czech Republic’s unwavering support for Israel in these difficult times. Israel has every right to defend its citizens against indiscriminate terror.”Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Israel on Tuesday.Also Tuesday, the EU Foreign Affairs Council did not reach a joint statement on the ongoing fighting between Israel and terrorist groups in Gaza.
After the meeting, EU High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement that he said represented the general thrust of what had been discussed. It included a call for a ceasefire and a condemnation of Hamas rocket attacks and the high number of civilian casualties. Israel should use “proportionate” force and respect international law, the statement said.Hungary vetoed an official statement, which must be made by consensus, because of its implied criticism of Israel. Other countries, including Ireland, said it did not go far enough and called for active steps against Israel.Some countries’ representatives lamented that the EU continues to send aid money to Gaza without knowing where it ends up and without having any influence on Hamas, KAN News reported.
