FM Lipavský calls Israeli decision to occupy Gaza risky, urges protection of civilians

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non partisan) has described Israel’s decision to take military control of Gaza City as a risky move. While stressing that the continued conflict is largely due to Hamas’s hold over the territory, he called on Israel to protect civilians and act in line with international law. Senate Foreign Affairs Committee chair Pavel Fischer (non partisan) criticized Israel’s overall approach to civilians and cited a graffiti incident involving an Israeli minister. Minister Marek Ženíšek (TOP 09) also backed Israel’s right to self-defence but emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid access. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, according to local authorities.