Israeli FM says European criticism of Israel was "mistake" that strengthened Hamas

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticised recent international pressure on Israel over its military operation in Gaza, stating that several European foreign ministers have admitted that condemning Israel was a mistake.

Speaking at a press conference on July 29, Sa’ar said this pressure has only strengthened Hamas’s position in the ongoing ceasefire talks, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

"More than one European foreign minister has told me that signing the letter condemning Israel's war in Gaza was a mistake, and it allowed Hamas to embolden its stance in ceasefire talks," Sa’ar said.

The letter, signed by Britain and over 20 other countries, called for an immediate end to hostilities and criticised Israel’s aid delivery model following hundreds of Palestinian casualties near food distribution points.

Sa’ar emphasised that "international pressure on Israel is only hardening Hamas's stance; global pressure must be on Hamas to free the hostages and lay down its arms."

He acknowledged that while military pressure in Gaza is effective, Israel remains open to diplomatic efforts. Egypt and Qatar, mediators in the hostage-ceasefire talks, have reported progress, although recent negotiations in Doha ended without a deal.

The minister condemned what he described as a "distorted campaign of international pressure against Israel" which he said has fuelled rising antisemitism worldwide.

Responding to claims that Israel is deliberately starving Gaza’s population, Sa’ar denied such accusations, stating, "while the situation is tough, the idea that Israel has implemented a 'starvation policy' is a lie. Reality is the opposite - Israel is working 'very hard under very complicated circumstances' to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza."

On the topic of Palestinian statehood, Sa’ar warned, "Establishing a Palestinian state today is establishing a Hamas state. A Jihadist state."

He further criticised France’s foreign minister for urging Europe to pressure Israel towards a two-state solution, adding, "But this cannot and will not lead Israel to commit suicide."

Sa’ar also highlighted the influence of large Muslim populations in several European countries on their governments’ policies, but insisted that this would not cause Israel to act against its own interests.

By Aghakazim Guliyev