Polish prime minister denounces Israel's Gaza offensive as "criminal"

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, describing the actions as criminal and morally indefensible.

His remarks were made during a press conference, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Crimes must be called by their name. There is no justification for the killing of children or for starvation,” Tusk stated, underscoring the growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The Polish leader went further, warning that Israel’s conduct is severely damaging its international reputation and undermining the legacy of its efforts to combat terrorism.

“What is happening [in the Gaza Strip] is absolutely unacceptable. It is destroying the image and the entire history of Israel’s efforts [in the fight against terrorism],” Tusk asserted.

While reaffirming that Poland has historically stood by Israel in its struggle against terrorism, Tusk stressed that the current military actions threaten to undo years of international diplomatic and humanitarian engagement.

“The current actions of the authorities of the Middle Eastern country nullify the efforts of the international community,” he added.

Since October 2023, Israel has been engaged in a sustained military campaign in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of over 65,200 individuals and leaving more than 166,000 civilians wounded.

On September 21, the prime ministers of Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada formally announced their governments’ recognition of Palestinian statehood—a diplomatic shift soon echoed by the foreign minister of Portugal.

Poland extended its recognition of the State of Palestine as early as 1988.

By Vafa Guliyeva