How can the Israeli government eliminate Hamas, as it said was the goal of this war, and at the same time regain its purpose? hostages?
This is not only the challenge Israel currently faces, but the very war being fought in the name of democracy and Western values. The aim is to eliminate all military capabilities of the terrorist organization Hamas (recognized as such by both the EU and Portugal), so that they can no longer commit crimes against humanity and war crimes.
What information do you have about the Portuguese-Israeli hostages? It is logical that the Portuguese government has a negotiating initiative with Hamas, as is known asked?
Israel demands the release of all hostages as they are citizens. There are many foreign nationals, not just Portuguese, who have been kidnapped, murdered, tortured, raped and burned by Hamas, in a pattern seen only by the Islamic State. We believe that foreign governments whose citizens have been subjected to such a fate by the terrorist group Hamas should do everything they can to demand the release of the hostages and take measures to prevent these atrocities from happening again.
As the military operation continues, pro-Palestinian demonstrations are increasing, including in the United States. Aren’t they afraid of a breakdown in international solidarity and an explosion of anti-Semitic attacks?
If someone cannot condemn the barbaric acts of Hamas that we all saw two weeks ago, they will never be able to talk about human rights again. As Hamas commits its heinous crimes against both uninvolved and unsupportive Palestinians and the Israeli population, it is the “pro-Palestinian” voice that must speak the loudest against Hamas.
“Hamas and its supporters want all Jews to die. Israel wants all hostages to be released and no more terror to take place. There is no middle ground that can be negotiated.”
In the European Union we cannot speak with one voice on this subject. There is clear condemnation of Hamas and support for Israel to defend itself, but the proportionality of the response and the non-compliance with international humanitarian law in imposing a siege on an area and not just on the terrorist group are in doubted. What is your comment?
Hamas beheaded babies, kidnapped and repeatedly raped young women, and took entire families hostage before shooting them to death, starting with the children, and burning their bodies. Hamas has committed crimes against humanity. What is a proportionate answer to this? Do the same? No, Israel will not do that.
American support is crucial for Israel. Despite not being neutral, can Americans be part of the response to a negotiated solution?
There are no negotiations with a terrorist organization. The terrorist organization Hamas and its supporters want all Jews to die. Israel wants the hostages to be released and no more terror to take place. There is no middle ground that can be negotiated.
What is your assessment of the National Unity Government and the War Cabinet?
This is an example of the unity of the nation of Israel. We discuss, we debate, we disagree on many things. But we always agree on one thing: the right to life, the right to safety and the right to defend ourselves. And that is exactly what Israel is doing now.
Source: DN
