Greek PM cancels visit to Israel due to security concerns

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cancelled his visit to Israel due to security concerns, following the attack at Al Awda Hospital in Gaza on Tuesday night. The Premier was planning to travel to Tel Aviv, tomorrow, Thursday.

However, Mitsotakis will attend the International Summit on the Palestinian Developments in Egypt on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting earlier on Wednesday, the PM expressed his sorrow and horror at the attack on a hospital in Gaza, noting the immediate need to thoroughly investigate what has happened.

He also underlined that on Tuesday, during the EU Council meeting that was held online, he had presented Greece’s position recognizing Israel’s right to self defense but always with respect for international law, prioritizing the protection of Gaza’s civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid.

Mitsotakis noted the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading and avoiding any further escalation that could threaten regional security and stability.

“It is also imperative to enhance the EU’s internal security. Obviously, Greece as the external border of our European family has an additional duty to insist on a strict but fair external borders protection policy, something we will do without compromises and concessions,” Mitsotakis stated.

The Greek premier announced that he will carry out a trip to Israel the area as soon as possible and the security conditions allow.

, starting from his presence in Cairo on Saturday in the context of the very important multilateral conference convened by Egypt on the Palestinian issue. “We are a power of solutions, we are the eastern border of Europe but we are also the last western outpost of peace and stability,” Mitsotakis underlined.