Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has stated that what is happening in Gaza in recent weeks is "unjustifiable and unacceptable," adding defiantly, "we are not staying silent." His comments came during an interview on 22 May, amid criticism of his government's stance on the ongoing genocide. Meanwhile, the Greek government's support for Israel has been highly visible – particularly during Mitsotakis’ last visit to Tel Aviv. At the time, Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the countries' "shared values" and "common interests and challenges," noting, "many opportunities lie ahead of us."

Speaking on Greek television channel SKAI TV, Mitsotakis insisted that Greece has “clearly called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of humanitarian aid in Gaza.”

Responding to ongoing criticism – particularly in light of Greece not signing a joint international statement calling for urgent humanitarian assistance – Mitsotakis again condemned the situation in Gaza, saying:

“I have no hesitation in saying that what we are seeing in Gaza in recent days and weeks is unjustifiable and unacceptable. Israel must immediately halt these operations and allow the UN and NGOs to resume the delivery of food and medicine as soon as possible.”

He reinforced this by saying:

“We are not staying silent.” At the same time, he underlined Greece’s “special relationship” with Israel: “Because Greece has a strategic alliance with Israel, we also have a responsibility to speak hard truths to our allies. I’ve conveyed this message directly to Israel’s leadership – that Hamas’ horrific attack cannot justify actions that come at such a disproportionate humanitarian cost.”

He also referred to the UN Security Council meeting taking place today, where Greece’s Foreign Affairs minister has pledged to speak “clearly” on the need to protect civilians.

“Greece is not being silent. If we can play the role of a bridge-builder, we will do so – not with grandstanding or empty gestures, but through effective diplomacy,” Mitsotakis said bluntly.

Mitsotakis to Netanyahu during their last meeting: “It’s always a pleasure to be here and speak with you”

During Mitsotakis’ visit to Tel Aviv on 30 March, Netanyahu welcomed Mitsotakis warmly. In their joint appearance, Netanyahu said:

“Welcome Prime Minister Mitsotakis, my good friend Kyriakos. This is two blue and whites that meet. We’re two ancient peoples. Our free civilizations started in Athens and Jerusalem. They have common values, and we share a common interest today and also common challenges. I think that we face many opportunities, I look forward to discussing them with you.”

He went on to praise Greek-Israeli relations, saying, “You are changing Greece’s economy. We went through a similar process. Our ties are constantly increasing. I know of many Israelis that are going to Greece, investing in Greece, which is a vote of confidence. I look forward to having this opportunity to discuss the security challenges, the economic opportunities and the ways that we can increase the chances for a lasting peace in our region, something that I know that you want.”

“From one democracy in the Eastern Mediterranean to another democracy in the Eastern Mediterranean, welcome friend,” concluded Netanyahu, who is currently facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Mitsotakis had replied:

“Thank you, Prime Minister. Always a pleasure to be here and to discuss with you. This is a strategic partnership that has significant depth, as you pointed out, and many security challenges that we need to address in order to return our common region to a state of peace.”

He added:

“I want to focus also on our economic cooperation, but also on our defense cooperation, which is particularly important to us in Greece. So I’m really looking forward to the discussion that we will have. We always have very frank and open interactions and thank you so much for receiving me in Jerusalem today.”

According to Greek broadcaster ERT, Mitsotakis also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, and high-ranking executives from Israel’s arms industry – an industry that has played a key role in the ongoing genocide and has caused the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.

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