Nabil Abuznaid “understands well” Hamas’ attack on Israel. The ambassador who heads the Palestinian diplomatic representation in Portugal affirms that the situation was expected, taking into account that the Palestinians “have suffered this occupation for many, many, many years” and that “the world ignores this conflict.” The diplomat recalls that “the conflict lasts 70 years and the occupation lasts 50 years” and asks: “how long can the Palestinians wait?”
When asked if these words mean that the Palestinian people are on the side of Hamas, Nabil Abuznaid does not hesitate to answer in the affirmative. He emphasizes that in Palestine “we are against the death of civilians, against war and we want peace.” But, “with a right-wing government that tells us that we do not exist (…), how can it control the people?”
Now that the Israeli Defense Ministry has ordered a “total siege” of Gaza, the Palestinian diplomat fears an even greater bloodbath. “The situation will get worse. Thousands of Palestinians will die. They will use all types of weapons prohibited by international law.”
Regarding the situation of the hostages taken to Gaza, the diplomat does not have any information, but he condemns the taking of civilians. “They should not be taken hostage, they should not be killed. We believe in international law and I hope this problem can end quickly.”
Faced with a conflict with no solution in sight, Nabil Abuznaid maintains that the time has come for the world to sit at the table: “Portugal and all countries in the world that believe in peace and human rights must say out loud: Let’s sit together (…) all the conflicts in the world are ending. And this one cannot last forever.”
Source: TSF
