Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar Indicates Ceasefire Extension for More Hostages
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Synopsis
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that the government under Prime Minister Netanyahu is open to extending the ceasefire with Hamas for additional hostages. Sa'ar emphasized that this extension hinges on the release of hostages and addressed the Iranian threat during meetings in Brussels with EU counterparts.
Key Takeaways
- Israel is willing to extend the ceasefire with Hamas.
- Extension contingent on the release of more hostages.
- Iran remains a significant threat to regional peace.
- Palestinian Authority criticized for funding terrorism.
- Strong EU-Israel relations are desired by Sa'ar.
Brussels, Feb 24 (NationPress) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated on Monday that the administration headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prepared to prolong the ceasefire arrangement with Hamas in return for the release of additional hostages.
"We do not dismiss the possibility of extending the temporary ceasefire in return for the liberation of more hostages," Sa'ar reportedly mentioned during a series of "personal meetings" with his European Union counterparts as part of his diplomatic mission in Brussels.
Sa'ar clarified that any potential extension of the temporary ceasefire is contingent upon the release of hostages.
"Our commitment is towards the release of our hostages and the objectives of the war we have established," he asserted.
While engaging with the foreign ministers of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Finland, Slovakia, and Hungary on the sidelines of the 13th EU-Israel Association Council, Sa'ar also brought attention to the Iranian threat, advocating for nations to enforce and introduce new sanctions on Tehran, which he described as a menace to the stability of the entire region.
Earlier that day, the Israeli Foreign Minister engaged with European Parliament President Roberta Mezula.
"The Palestinian Authority continues to provide financial support to terrorists and their families, thereby fostering terrorism. The Palestinians must alter their ethos - the incitement against Israel within their educational framework must cease," he conveyed to Mezula.
He also met with Roberta Mazzola, the President of the European Parliament, expressing gratitude for her unequivocal backing of Israel following the events of October 7, during Israel's challenging period.
The meeting, as reported by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, focused on enhancing ties between Israel and the European Union. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar indicated to the Speaker of Parliament that he anticipates fruitful relations between Israel and the EU.
"The Palestinian Authority continues to financially support terrorists and their families. Abu Mazen stated he would persist in providing this support even if it were his last resources. The Palestinians must halt incitement against Israel in their educational system. The European Union must guarantee that its financial support is not allocated for these ends," he reiterated during the discussion.
