Croatia has consistently advocated for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, respect for international humanitarian law and a lasting and sustainable peace between Palestine and Israel, said Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Thursday, writes N1.
A day after the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MVEP) was criticized for not being among the 26 countries that called on Israel to immediately allow humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip due to a humanitarian crisis of "unprecedented proportions", the minister stressed that Croatia is acting with "concrete political and diplomatic steps".
"We believe that for real progress - especially in the protection of civilians and providing assistance to the Palestinian population, it is necessary to achieve a coordinated approach by the member states," he said. Grlic Radman.
He reminded that Croatia has so far sent 2,75 million euros in urgent humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza through international organizations, and that the government made a decision shortly after the start of the war in the Palestinian enclave to donate 400 tons of flour.
At the same time, Croatia "through its own diplomatic channels" encourages the Israeli side "to take measures that lead to calming the situation," he said.
"We also demand the protection of the civilian population and the provision of access to humanitarian aid. And here, European unity is key."
"Our approach is based on a constant commitment to humanitarian assistance, respect for international humanitarian law, and the achievement of a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution," continued the Croatian foreign minister.
He emphasized that Croatia is considering "all aspects of the European Commission's proposal on the temporary suspension of part of the cooperation with Israel within the framework of the Obzor program".
"Our policy is responsible and principled. It is focused on achieving concrete results, with the clear goal of helping the affected population and preserving stability in the Middle East," emphasized Grlić Radman.
The statement calling on Israel to end the blockade was signed by 19 EU members, along with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja kallas and the European Commission Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica. Australia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Japan are also signatories, and apart from Croatia, Germany and Hungary are not among them.
Source: N1
Photo: EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
