The EU Strongly Condemns Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich

According to news on August 8, 2024, on August 7 local time, the European Union issued a statement strongly condemning the recent remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The statement pointed out that Smotrich's statement that "Israel starving 2 million civilians" until "hostages are returned" could be "reasonable and moral" is "utterly shameless", demonstrating his contempt for international law and basic human principles.

According to a previous report by The Times of Israel, Smotrich once said that the reason why Israel allows aid materials to enter the Gaza Strip is because "there is no choice", "No one will allow us to starve 2 million civilians, although it could be 'reasonable and moral' until our detained people are released".

In addition, France also condemned Smotrich's remarks. On August 8, France issued a statement by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, criticizing the recent remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich and saying it was "deeply shocked". The statement said that France is deeply shocked by the appalling remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The finance minister claimed that in order to have the hostages in Gaza released, "starving 2 million civilians could be reasonable and moral". France calls on the Israeli government to strongly condemn the above unacceptable remarks.

The EU expects the Israeli government to clearly distance itself from Smotrich's remarks, and at the same time urges Israel to implement the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the binding orders of the International Court of Justice to ensure the full and unhindered provision of humanitarian aid.