Partnered Peace in Gaza Achievable if Hamas Surrenders Authority, Disarms, and Halts Operations - Braze (paraphrased)
In a series of meetings and statements, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze has expressed concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and called for action in Ukraine.
Braze has urged Israel to ensure that international non-governmental organizations have access to the Gaza Strip to provide necessary assistance. This call comes amidst the ongoing military operation by Israel against Hamas, which has been ongoing for nearly two years. The conflict has resulted in the death of around 1,200 people in southern Israel, with more than 250 people taken hostage to the Gaza Strip in attacks on October 7, 2023.
Braze has also condemned the attacks by Hamas and the violence of the terrorist movement. The Latvian minister has called on Hamas to release Israeli hostages and has expressed his disapproval of Hamas's role in the peace process. He believes that peace in the Gaza Strip is contingent upon Hamas relinquishing power, laying down arms, and ceasing activities.
In addition, Braze has expressed support for the Palestinian minister's call for an immediate end to the aggression in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian minister, Varsen Aghabekian-Shahin, has emphasized the need for independence and sovereignty for their country in accordance with international law. Recognition of the Palestinian state is an important factor in preserving the two-state solution, according to the Palestinian minister.
Braze and Aghabekian-Shahin discussed various issues during their meetings, including the situation in the Middle East, the Gaza Strip, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Latvia's security concerns, and the country's priorities in the UN Security Council. Aghabekian-Shahin also called on Latvia and other countries that believe in and respect international law to recognize the State of Palestine.
The Latvian minister has also expressed concern over Russia's war against Ukraine and has stressed the need to strengthen political and economic pressure against the aggressor state and to promote Russia's isolation in international organizations.
Braze has also made it clear that he does not support Israel's plans to expand illegal settlements and has called on Israel to reconsider this decision, along with other countries. He has also emphasized that Israel has a duty to respect the principles of international law and international humanitarian law, avoiding civilian casualties while exercising its right to self-defense.
Braze's statements come at a time when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has threatened to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire and other conditions to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian minister has appreciated Latvia's humanitarian assistance to various organizations, including UNRWA, and has called for the release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip.
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