Pavel expects government debate on Czechia's position in connection with war in Gaza

President Petr Pavel expects a debate with the government on Czechia's position on the war in the Gaza Strip, he told journalists on Wednesday during a visit to Japan. Czechia did not join the group of 29 countries that this week called in a joint statement for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip and condemned the killing of civilians and the holding of Israeli hostages by the terrorist movement Hamas.

"We will have to ask the government," President Pavel replied when asked why Czechia is missing from the list of signatories. "I did not consult the government on this issue, and they did not consult me, so I do not know what led the government to this decision. … I assume that the debate on how to proceed in this matter and what position the Czech Republic should take will come," the president added.