Palestine

FM Szijjártó welcomes Gaza hostage and ceasefire agreement, omits mention of 70 deaths since announcement

szijjártó ukraine energy transit route

The Gaza hostage and ceasefire agreement is great news as this agreement brings the possibility of a peaceful life closer for people living in one of the world’s most war-torn regions, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said on Facebook on Thursday.

Moreover, the agreement will also have a positive impact on global security, the minister added. “We express our respect and appreciation to the American, Egyptian and Qatari diplomats who participated in the mediation,” Szijjártó said. He called it unacceptable that dozens of hostages had been living separated from their families for more than 15 months, “so we call on all parties of the agreement to fully implement all stages of the agreement,” he said. “This finally paves the way for the hostage of Hungarian nationality who is still in captivity to return to his family,” Szijjártó said.

Ceasefire? 70 people died since the announcement

According to the report of The Guardian, at least 70 people have been killed in Israeli air strikes since the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza. The air strikes shook Gaza overnight and during Thursday. According to the article, no formal agreement has been reached yet, as the Israeli security cabinet postponed its meeting scheduled for Thursday morning.

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Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People commemorated in Budapest – PHOTOS

In cooperation with embassies of Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway: Embassy of Palestine in Hungary commemorates the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Hungary, in collaboration with the embassies of Norway, Slovenia, Spain, and Ireland, marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People with a special event at the Palestine Residence in Budapest.

Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People commemorated in Budapest
Photo: Press release/Embassy of Palestine in Hungary

The gathering, attended by diplomats and international representatives, underscored the global commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and highlighted efforts to expand recognition of the State of Palestine. The event began with a performance of the Palestinian national anthem by Tunisian artist Mohamed Alloul, followed by a speech from Dr. Fadi Elhusseini, Ambassador of Palestine to Hungary.

Ambassador Elhusseini stressed that solidarity with the Palestinian cause must go beyond rhetoric, calling for tangible action to end the genocide and the occupation. He urged those who didn’t to recognize Palestine, noting that this recognition is critical to achieving stability and a just resolution to the conflict. He emphasized that Palestine has existed since the dawn of time and will remain till the end of time.

Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People commemorated in Budapest
Photo: Press release/Embassy of Palestine in Hungary

Elhusseini said that Palestine is under occupation and that negotiations are meant to tackle future arrangements, including borders, which the ambassador considered the key to the solution. The ambassador also highlighted the ongoing legal developments, including these at the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the United Nations General Assembly’s calls for an end to the occupation. Elhusseini concluded by reaffirming the resilience of the Palestinian people, vowing that they would continue to fight for justice, freedom, and a free Palestine.

The Palestinian ambassador appreciated the great turnout to participate from representatives of the countries present, which embodies a message of support for the Palestinian people in all its spectrums.

Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People commemorated in Budapest
Archbishop Michael W. Banach, Apostolic Nunciature and dean of diplomatic corps. Photo: Press release/Embassy of Palestine in Hungary

Diplomats from several countries shared their solidarity with the Palestinian cause, including:

  • Archbishop Michael W. Banach, Apostolic Nunciature and dean of diplomatic corps
  • Ambassador Karima Kabbaj of Morocco, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps
  • Ambassador Alfonso Dastis of Spain
  • Ambassador Dr. Marjan CENCEN of Slovenia
  • On behalf of Africa, Ambassador Mr. Gangumzi TSENGIWE of South Africa
  • Ambassador Ranger Almqvist of Ireland
  • On behalf of Latin America, Ambassador Ignacio RUIZ PEREA of Colombia
  • Chargé d’Affaires Sten Iversen of Norway
  • On behalf of Asua, Chargé d’Affaires Ivani Mahdiat Sofiana of Indonesia
  • Ambassador Ms. Susan Kleebank of Brasil

Olive oil and za’atar were presented to the participants to emphasize the importance of Palestinian identity and culture.

Here are some more photos:

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Seminar on the situation in Palestine at the Yunus Emre Institute in Budapest

On Wednesday, 28th of August, the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Hungary organised a seminar titled “Eyes on Palestine – What the Experts Say” at the Yunus Emre Institute in Budapest. The panel experts focused on the atrocities’ impact on medicine, journalism and archaeology.

Chairing the symposium, the Ambassador of Palestine to Hungary, Dr. Fadi Elhusseini, addressed many political and humanitarian issues, including the war of annihilation and the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. The focus was not just on the past 11 months into the Gaza Genocide, which in Elhusseini’s words “was carried out under the guise of self-defence” in which “70,000 tons of bombs have been dropped on Gaza”, but on the decades of oppression Palestine has suffered from occupation. Elhusseini concluded that the occupation will inevitably come to an end and Palestine will continue to carry a proud, glorious and steady spirit where hope never dies.

The symposium continued with the speech of Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian doctor specialising in emergency medicine, internationally known for his fieldwork in Gaza and his unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, who spoke about the mounting hardship facing the health sector in Gaza, that includes the declining number of medical staff, the intentional obstruction of humanitarian aid and medical supplies. Dr. Gilbert stressed that this genocide is obvious and said, “This is not a difficult conflict, this is a difficult occupation”.

Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian doctor specialising in emergency medicine
Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian doctor specialising in emergency medicine. Source: Palestine Embassy, Budapest

Palestinian activist and Executive Director of Health Workers for Palestine, Amira Nimerawi, a humanitarian impact specialist at the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, spoke about the effects of the Israeli occupation on public health in Palestine and health workers, touching on what she described as medical “apartheid” in the West Bank, including Jerusalem. Nimerawi highlighted the savagery of the collective punishment towards Palestinian patients, purposefully destroying the health system, the military taking away self-evidently obvious medical equipment from Palestinian patients, humiliating them and worsening their conditions.

Palestinian activist and Executive Director of Health Workers for Palestine, Amira Nimerawi
Palestinian activist and Executive Director of Health Workers for Palestine, Amira Nimerawi. Palestine Embassy, Budapest

Dr. Myriam François, a British journalist and researcher specialising in the Palestinian cause, gave a video intervention about the Western media and double standards, calling on everyone to speak up and raise their voices in support of Palestine and how important unity is in fighting for justice and accountability.

Mona Al-Shami, a Hungarian student of Palestinian origin, presented the findings of her study on the effects of the occupation in general, and the war of annihilation in particular, on Palestinian heritage and archaeological sites, which is yet another obvious violation of international law, for which Israelis yet again not being held to account.

Closing the symposium, Ambassador Elhusseini announced the embassy’s intention to print Ms. Al-Shami’s specialised and important study as a book that will be available to all at the 29th International Book Festival, Budapest held on 26-29 September 2024.

Ambassador of Palestine to Hungary, Dr. Fadi Elhusseini
Ambassador of Palestine to Hungary, Dr. Fadi Elhusseini. Source: Palestine Embassy, Budapest

The seminar was widely attended by prominent figures from the diplomatic corps, directors of academic institutes, international organisations, officials and civil society institutions, as well as representatives of the Palestinian community in Hungary.
Following the seminar, the Palestinian Hungarian Doctors and Pharmacists Association inaugurated a clinic that offers free services for the Palestinian community and students, in the presence of Ambassador Elhusseini, Dr. Gilbert and Mrs. Nimerawi.

The experts’ visit was concluded with an honouring for their support for the Palestinian people and their cause. The honouring took place at the headquarter of the embassy of Palestine, with the participation of Fatah SG, a member of Palestine National Council, president and board members of the Palestinian community, dignitaries and Palestinian businessmen in Hungary.

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According to foreign minister Szijjártó, to be anti-Israel is to be anti-semitic

szijjártó israel anti-israel sentiment

The anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic developments seen in western Europe and in the United States would be “totally inconceivable” in Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said on Monday, adding that “conditions for a peaceful coexistence are fully ensured” in the country.

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Photo: Facebook/Szijjártó Péter

Szijjártó held a joint press conference with Israel Katz, his Israeli counterpart, and expressed deep concern over increasing anti-Israeli tendencies in international organisations.

“Israel is entitled to fair and equal treatment in international organisations,” the foreign ministry quoted Szijjártó as saying, adding that the Hungarian government had always thwarted “unilateral, biased attacks and statements against Israel, and will continue to do so in future.”

Mounting modern-age anti-Semitism in Europe “is the result of an absolutely irresponsible migration policy, under which a vociferous minority can often override the will of a quiet majority,” Szijjártó said.

The minister said criticism of Hungary over anti-Semitism “by countries … who should at least keep quiet” was “absolutely shocking”.

The upcoming Hungarian European Union presidency would strive to “restore cooperation between the EU and Israel to the level of mutual respect,” Szijjártó said, urging the sides to conduct a dialogue and “suppress the tone of reprimanding and lecturing”. He added the Hungarian presidency would make preparations for association talks between the EU and Israel “in that spirit”.

Szijjártó said the Middle East crisis had had a big impact on global security and warned that the Gaza conflict could “easily become a global threat”. “Moreover, should the Gaza crisis and the war in Ukraine somehow be interconnected … we could face the real possibility of a global war,” he said.

According to the Hungarian government, “November 7 must not be repeated at any time or anywhere; the international community must defeat terrorist groups,” Szijjártó said. He also called for an immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages still held by Hamas, noting that the terrorist organisation had taken hostage five Hungarian nationals, three of whom had been released, one died, and the last one “is probably alive and hopefully soon to be released”.

“Civilian lives must be saved,” Szijjártó said, adding that terrorist organisations “using civilians as a shield for their own defence … is unacceptable, base cowardice.”

“Everything must be done to prevent escalation of the conflict, which could engulf the whole region in flames,” he said.

The ministry’s statement quoted Katz as thanking the Hungarian government for its support, adding: “Hungary is a true friend to Israel, their ties being founded on respect.” Katz said Hungary’s fight against anti-Semitism was exemplary, and wished to see similar efforts “in western Europe and in other parts of the world.”

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Orbán cabinet: Greater efforts needed to free the Gaza hostages

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Intensified efforts are needed to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas, Peter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Brussels on Monday, adding that it was also vitally important to guarantee the security of Red Sea shipping routes.

“I thanked the Arab states for their mediating activity [aimed at] freeing the hostages,” Szijjártó told a press conference after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council attended by representatives of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council. “Since another person with Hungarian citizenship is among the hostages, I asked them to continue their efforts.”

Meanwhile, he said the compromised Red Sea trading route was damaging European companies and population. “That’s why — if we’re seeking points of agreement between Arab and EU countries — the security of the Red Sea transport route should be such a common point.”

Regarding a possible two-state solution and recognition of the Palestinian state, he said no unified position existed within the EU. Further, there was no common standpoint on an assessment of the entire conflict or what the bloc’s relationship with Israel should be in the future, he added.

Regarding Georgia’s recent legislation on requiring organisations that receive funding from abroad to be registered, Szijjártó said several ministers at the meeting had “reprimanded” the country and were in favour of obstructing Georgia’s path to EU integration, while he had been alone in “defending the Georgians”. He added that Hungary would strongly support its EU accession during its EU presidency, “and hopefully the process will not be blocked by the other member states”.

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Ukraine, Gaza, Sahel: Orbán cabinet says Hungary ‘cannot be accused of lacking solidarity’

gaza palestine solidarity

Hungary cannot be accused of lacking solidarity, as it had launched the largest humanitarian action of its history to aid Ukrainians fleeing from the war and is supporting humanitarian action in Gaza, the state secretary for aiding persecuted Christians said on Monday in Brussels.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU ministers responsible for international development projects, Tristan Azbej said Hungary had opened its borders to more than one million Ukrainian refugees and provided asylum for hundreds of thousands. He added that the government is providing aid for people displaced within Ukraine, too.

At the same time, Hungary rejects all types of aid that would lead to a protracted war and further loss of life, he said. Also, “we won’t allow European Union funds Hungary is entitled to land in Ukraine”, he said.

Regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, Azbej said Hungary was providing health-care services to Palestinian refugees in Egypt and participating in humanitarian action in Gaza.

Hungary has also launched a “development and peace-building project” in the Sahel to prevent the deepening of conflicts and contribute to developments “to ensure people can make a living there rather than leaving for Europe”, he said.

During its EU presidency, Hungary will focus on preserving stability and facilitating progress in those regions.

“In the spirit of Christian solidarity, we must ensure the welfare of people in crisis regions and to find the most humane ways to prevent migration,” he said.

Read also:

  • Orbán warmly welcomed in Morocco – PHOTOS
  • Hungarian aid shipment arrives in Africa, details HERE

Land Day in Budapest: tree planting at Palestinian Embassy

palestine

In commemoration of Land Day, the Palestinian Embassy planted olive trees, symbolizing resilience. The first tree was planted in Palestinian soil at the Palestinian Embassy in Hungary, with dozens of ambassadors from Arab, Muslim, European, Asian, African, and Latin American countries participating in the symbolic act. Ambassador Dr. Fadi Elhusseini emphasized the Palestinians’ daily renewal of commitment to their land and their enduring struggle for freedom and independence.

The tree, named the “Palestine Tree”, carried the Palestinian flag and featured verses from the late poet Mahmoud Darwish in Arabic, “On this land, what is worth living for.” The Palestinian Embassy in Hungary presented to the host country, two more trees, which were planted in churches; the Coptic and the Protestant; also carrying the same quote, standing with the Hungarian and Palestinian flags.

The fourth “Palestine tree” was planted at the Embassy of Belgium to represent Europe, engraved with Darwish’s poem and the flags of Palestine and Belgium. Moving from Europe to Latin America, another “Palestine tree” was planted at the Venezuelan Embassy, with the participation of the Cuban ambassador. The tree carried the same slogan and both Palestinian and Venezuelan flags.

The symbolic act extended to the South African Embassy, where a “Palestine tree” was also planted, along with the flags of both countries. Malaysia, representing Asia, received one more tree in its embassy, also carrying Darwish’s words and the flags of both nations.

A number of embassies expressed interest in planting a “Palestine tree” following these events, marking solidarity and support for Palestine and its just cause.

“On Land Day: “Palestine Tree” planted across continents, starting from Budapest”, the embassy wrote in its video on YouTube:

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Hungarian government continues to be ready to contribute to intl humanitarian aid – UPDATE 🔄

gaza strip

Hungary spent over 70 million euros on humanitarian aid worldwide last year and is ready to continue contributing to international efforts, the foreign minister said in Brussels on Monday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the European Humanitarian Forum, Péter Szijjártó said humanity was facing a global humanitarian disaster, mainly due to “one of the worse security situations of the past couple of decades”.

Some 30 countries and regions are currently suffering armed conflict, the gravest of them raging in Ukraine and the Gaza strip, Szijjártó said.

Humanitarian aid to Ukraine

As a neighbour of Ukraine, Hungary has been facing the “tragic consequences” of the war for two years as over one million refugees arrived in the country, he said. He said those who decided to stay in the country were offered access to education and health care, with some 1,600 schools and kindergartens now receiving Ukrainian children.

Szijjártó said Hungary was staging the largest humanitarian action of its history, and was ready to continue providing aid. “But we also know that the real solution to this tragic situation would be the war coming to its end. Therefore, we will increase our efforts to stand up for peace.”

Humanitarian aid to Gaza

Regarding the conflict in Gaza, Szijjártó said the protection of civilians was paramount and called for aid from Egypt, “which is bearing a lot of the burden.” He said Hungary has sent 200 ventilators and other healthcare equipment to the country.

Szijjártó said the international community also had a responsibility to stave off the threat of terrorism, one of the root causes of migration. Creating safe circumstances for everyone to make a living in their homeland was “a global responsibility”, he said.

Humanitarian aid to Chad

The foreign minister added that Hungary is setting up a humanitarian and development center in Chad and is ready to deploy troops to the country to help combat terrorism.

As we wrote earlier, Hungary supports Chad, one of the poorest and most autocratic states in the world with soldiers, a development centre, and even a model farm. What for? The connection may be Hungary’s developing ties with France.

As we wrote earlier, the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta has opened a health centre set up in Hungary, details HERE.

UPDATE

Hungary providing humanitarian support to Gaza refugees

Hungary provides humanitarian aid to the civilians suffering under the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza, the foreign ministry state secretary in charge of aid to persecuted Christian communities said in Brussels on Monday.

Speaking to MTI after addressing the European Humanitarian Forum, Tristan Azbej said Hungary is helping Egypt manage the influx of refugees from Gaza by providing the country with medical supplies and financial aid. Hungary has also sent 400,000 US dollars’ worth of humanitarian aid to both Christians and Muslims in the Palestinian territories via the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, he added.

Meanwhile, Azbej said Hungary “hasn’t forgotten about the crisis zones that get less global attention”, either, noting that the government had launched a humanitarian and development project in the Sahel, which is facing political instability, desertification, a food crisis, a water shortage and civil wars.

Hungary, through its Hungary Helps humanitarian programme, has also sent a medical mission to Chad to aid internally displaced people as well as Sudanese and other refugees there, Azbej said. The government also helps persecuted Christians in Nigeria living under the threat of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, the state secretary added.

“We believe in providing both immediate and long-term assistance to local communities,” Azbej said, underscoring the importance of Hungary’s support for the Chadian authorities caring for refugees.

Most W European countries have seen a renewed of modern-day antisemitism, but not Hungary, says Foreign Minister

israel hungary anitsemitism

The Hungarian government’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict is “clear and unchanged”, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Facebook late on Monday.

Szijjártó said he had told Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister for the diaspora, that Hungary “condemns the Hamas terrorist organisation’s attack on Israel in the strongest possible way and recognises Israel’s right to defend itself.” He added that the success of the fight against terrorism was in the interest not only of Israel but that of the international community too.

Hungary is committed to a “responsible migration policy … that ensures security to all religious communities in the country,” the minister said.

“Unlike most countries in western Europe, Hungary has not seen a revival of modern-age anti-Semitism and we will not allow that to happen in the future,” he said.

Szijjártó said he was proud that “one of the largest Jewish communities in central Europe lives in peace and calm in Hungary, preserving its identity, traditions, and religion.”

The minister said Hungary would do everything possible to secure the release of the only remaining Hungarian citizen among the people taken hostage by Hamas.

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Hungary stands up for peace at the UN General Assembly, but not for Palestine

Szijjártó United Nations

Hungary continues to stand for peace, dialogue, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister said in New York on Monday, adding that the country opposed all forms of terrorism.

Hungary has borne the consequences of the war in Ukraine for more than two years and protected the external borders of the European Union against illegal migration, bound “in a vicious circle” with terrorism, Szijjártó told the UN General Assembly, according to a ministry statement.

Given these immediate security challenges, Hungary “is committed to peace, diplomacy, continuous global dialogue, and is against all forms of terrorism,” he said.

He expressed Hungary’s mounting concern over the conflict in the Middle East, saying the longer the conflict lasted, the greater the risk of its spreading. The minister added that Hamas “must be defeated”.

Szijjártó emphasised the importance of preventing the formation of a Lebanese front in the conflict, adding that the Beirut government, which wanted nothing to do with it, deserved maximum support from the international community.

He also said the delivery of humanitarian aid should be guaranteed to ensure that innocent people do not suffer the consequences of the brutal crimes of terrorists, calling on states and international organisations to do whatever possible to achieve this.

The minister praised Egypt in this regard. He also noted that Hungary provided more than 9 million US dollars to support its health system.

On the subject of the hostage situation, he urged the immediate, unconditional release of hostages, and expressed gratitude to Qatar for mediating in the release of three Hungarian hostages. He asked Qatar to carry on its efforts to ensure the quickest possible release of the other hostages, details HERE.

A sensible agreement was needed between the opposing parties before the start of Ramadan, he added.

Meanwhile, he said Hungary was “a strategic partner of Israel” while also keeping strong ties with Arab countries in the region. “As a responsible country, Hungary is ready to play its part in finding an appropriate solution to security crises worldwide,” he added.

Hungary calls for supporting Egypt to prevent escalation in Middle East

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Egypt’s stability and security is in Europe’s vital interest and is of paramount importance in terms of preventing the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Hungary’s foreign minister said after meeting his Egyptian counterpart in Geneva on Monday.

Péter Szijjártó held talks with Sameh Hassan Shoukry on the sidelines of a regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The effects of the security crisis in the Middle East can already be felt in the world and there is a risk of the conflict’s regional and global escalation, Szijjártó said, according to a ministry statement.

He called it the international community’s primary task to prevent escalation of the crisis which Szijjártó said Egypt played “a critical role”, adding that “with its moderate, wise and cautious approach” Egypt had always helped stabilisation in the region.

Szijjártó said Egypt had already contributed greatly to maintaining security in Europe by holding back the waves of illegal migration and thank to its continued mediation efforts since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, an escalation of that war could also be prevented.

He thanked Shoukry for his “imprescriptible merits” in helping the evacuation of Hungarian citizens from the Palestinian enclave.

Szijjártó said bilateral relations were excellent, noting the ongoing manufacturing of railway carriages for Egypt.

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Morocco stresses its commitment before the ICJ in support Palestinian Cause

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Morocco actively participated in the ICJ hearings held from February 19 to 29, in solidarity with Palestine’s oral presentation on February 19.

In this context, Morocco underscored the unwavering dedication of HM King Mohammed VI, as the Chairperson of the Al-Quds Committee, in supporting the Palestinian cause during the recent hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as part of the case seeking an advisory opinion on the legal ramifications of Israel’s policies and actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

Morocco’s presence at these hearings reflects its ongoing commitment to the Palestinian cause. The Kingdom had previously submitted a written plea to the ICJ, which was duly acknowledged by the Court, in which, Morocco, whose Sovereign chairs the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reiterated its determination to safeguard the legal, historical, political, and spiritual significance of the Holly City of Jerusalem as a city of peace for all monotheistic religions.

Additionally, Morocco reaffirmed its active commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace in the Middle East, which emphasizes the necessity of a just, comprehensive and lasting solution based on the two-state principle, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state, based on the borders of June 4, 1967, and living alongside Israel in peace and security, in accordance with international legality, UN resolutions and in line with the Arab Peace Initiative.

Morocco’s plea drew upon the principles outlined in the Appeal of Al-Quds/Jerusalem, signed, on March 30, 2019, by HM King Mohammed VI and Pope Francis. This document highlights the importance of preserving Jerusalem, as a common heritage of humanity as well as a symbol of mutual respect and dialogue among religions.

Additionally, Morocco’s plea stressed the consensus within the international community regarding the legal status of Israeli settlements in certain parts of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Al-Quds/ Jerusalem, which constitute an obstacle to peace and threatens the viability of a two-state solution.

The resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, in particular resolutions 242 and 338, remains paramount for lasting peace in the region, as emphasized in Morocco’s plea.

Morocco reiterated its commitment to advancing the Palestinian cause both bilaterally and multilaterally within the United Nations.

Finally, Morocco recalled His Majesty the King’s message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in November 2022, urging meaningful negotiations towards a just and comprehensive solution, in alignment with international legitimacy and the two-state solution.

One against all: Orbán cabinet rejects inclusion of Israeli settlers on sanctions list

foreign minister israeli settlers

Hungary alone has withheld support for putting Israeli settlers on the EU sanctions list, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said after a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday.

Discussion of the issue had been “extremely tense”, Szijjártó told a press conference after the meeting, adding that no agreement was reached on imposing sanctions against Israeli settlers that had been advocated by several EU member states.

“At the start there were one or two … other countries that had similar position to ours. Their position slowly shifted,” he said, adding that in the end, Hungary was the only one not to support the proposal. Our article: Czech government backs down, only the Orbán government vetoes EU sanctions against Israel

The minister said adding settlers to the sanctions list would “only exacerbate tensions in a country that suffered a terrorist attack”. He said Israel’s counter-terrorist operation not only was in Israel’s interest but in that of the entire world.

He added that the measure would weaken Israel and heighten tensions in the West Bank, where fighting could spread.

“I think this must be prevented at all costs,” he said.

Szijjártó said at the same time that new sanctions should be mounted against Hamas.

“It had appeared that there was agreement on this, but several member states linked the two issues, which is completely unacceptable…” he said, adding that it was wrong and “anti-Israel” to pair Hamas and Israeli settlers together. Hamas, he said, should come under “the heaviest possible sanctions”, but it was unjustified to put settlers in the same category. Regarding the situation in Lebanon, the minister said preventing the spread of the conflict was of paramount importance, warning that failure to do so may lead to the whole of the Middle East being “engulfed in flames”, with a knock-on impact on European security.

“This is why I initiated … that the European Union should give the legitimate Lebanese government maximum support”, with the goal of preventing the war from spreading, Szijjártó said.

Hungary has provided 500,000 US dollars in aid to Egypt and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem with the aim of protecting the civilian population.

“Of course, we urge that the hostages be released immediately,” he said, adding that this should happen without strings attached. “A realistic agreement must be reached, and I trust that the Qataris and the Egyptians will succeed here,” he said.

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United Nations must multiply counter-terrorism resources, says Hungarian foreign minister in NY

szijjártó ny united nations

The United Nations must multiply its resources spent on counter-terrorism, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Thursday.

Péter Szijjártó told public media during a visit in New York that the UN had handled counter-terrorism action as a “stepchild” for a long time. “The role it was able to fulfil depended on the voluntary donations of member states,” he added.

“For years we’ve been fighting for this situation to change”, and financing counter-terrorism is now part of the United Nations‘ central budget, he said.

The UN’s counter-terrorism efforts are currently managed from two locations: New York and Budapest, since the second largest unit of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism operates in Budapest, he said. “Hungary therefore plays an important role in global counter terrorism efforts,” he added.

In addition to peacekeeping, counter-terrorism efforts must be among the most important tasks of the UN, considering that the world faces “the most severe threat of terror ever”, he said. “This started not only with the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel, but the threat of terrorism had already been at a very high level in Africa, the Middle East, South-East Asia and even in Europe, as a result of the development of parallel societies emerging from migration waves to western Europe,” he added.

Terrorism and illegal migration formed a “vicious circle”, he said, because when terrorism became increasingly severe in any one part of the world, migration sprang from that location and terrorist organisations abused illegal migration, hiding their terrorists in the uncontrolled waves of migrants. “If Europe gets hit by migration waves, it will increase chances of terrorists getting in,” he added.

He expressed hope that by keeping the waves of illegal migration under control, the threat of terrorism could be reduced.

Commenting on his talks with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday, he said the UN must play a leading role in counter-terrorism efforts and in peacekeeping. Several international organisations, he said, had failed in respect of the war in Ukraine, only making the situation worse with weapons transports and pro-war propaganda. He said the UN must step forward in this area, given that it was set up precisely to help communication between warring states.

Szijjártó said currently neither side was open to mediation, and the continuation of the war must be expected in Ukraine, despite the fact that “there is no solution on the battlefield”. European strategy “has been a complete failure”, he said. Those European politicians who say the developments in the battlefield would bring the situation closer to peace “cheated” the European people, he said. “They have either lied or assessed the situation completely falsely,” he added.

The foreign minister called freeing the hostages “the most important task” in the Middle East, adding that he agreed with the UN Secretary-General that Qatar should be given all possible support. He noted that Qatar’s mediation efforts had yielded results and the freeing of the first three Hungarian hostages were also thanks to that country.

Meanwhile, Szijjártó said modern-day anti-Semitism had spread “at a shocking rate” in western Europe and the United States in the recent months, with dozens of violent demonstrations held against Israel and with the harassment of Jewish communities and their members. “Those must be stopped,” he said. The minister called modern-day anti-Semitism a consequence of illegal migration in western Europe, saying that “aggressive migrants” had brought it with them as parallel societies had emerged.

With zero tolerance in place against anti-Semitism and a ban on pro-terrorist demonstrations, he said Hungary was the safest country for Jewish communities.

Szijjártó said that it had transpired from his meetings with US Republican politicians that they had extensive information about developments in Europe and in Hungary in particular, and they followed the activities of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government “with great sympathy”. “They are keeping their fingers crossed” for the prime minister in his efforts to enforce Hungary’s national interests, protect Christian-conservative values and protect families while fighting illegal migration, he said.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, he said: “If someone tries to argue in favour of ending the war in Ukraine, they are immediately called Putin’s friend, a Russian spy or a Kremlin propagandist.” Related article: Hungarian FM Szijjártó receives Order of Friendship from Russian FM Lavrov

The foreign minister attributed Hungary’s success in the recent past to the “honest and clear political strategy” the country had pursued. Hungary, he added, had the political stability for this, based on the Hungarian people’s support of the government’s political strategy.

Speaking about the Hungarian opposition, Szijjártó insisted it was “led by the US ambassador to Budapest, which is a strange situation, a qualified case of [foreign] interference in a country’s internal affairs.” As we wrote a few days ago, the United States may introduce severe travel restrictions against several Hungarian politicians following the Global Magnitsky Act, details HERE.

Good question, is the Hungarian government’s campaign for Trump not interference in a country’s internal affairs? Read details: Orbán: Trump is our only hope

Czech government backs down, only the Orbán government vetoes EU sanctions against Israel

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The possibility of a Hungarian veto has come up again. Violence in the predominantly Palestinian West Bank has sharply escalated since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October. The European Union is now preparing a measure similar to the recent one sanctioned by the US Government, which targeted Jewish settlers who aggressively evicted Palestinians in the West Bank. 

The West Bank, primarily inhabited by Palestinians, faces an influx of Israeli settlers in growing numbers. Among them are extremists resorting to threats, beatings and vandalism to coerce local Palestinian residents into vacating their homes, enabling the expansion of Israeli settlements. According to reports from the Independent, President Biden has granted authorisation for the United States Treasury Department to impose sanctions on Israeli citizens involved in forcibly displacing Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank or other regions, regardless of official support. National Security spokesman John Kirby later clarified that Israeli political leaders are currently not targeted for sanctions, and emphasised that the sanctions were implemented in coordination with the Israeli government. Following the decision, President Biden addressed Congress, emphasising that the situation in the West Bank, marked by what he described as “a significant escalation of violence by extremist settlers,” constitutes a national security emergency.

The EU’s reaction

Despite the majority of European Union countries supporting sanctions against Israeli settlers similar to those imposed by the US, including Spain, Germany, France, Ireland and Belgium, the sanctions have yet to be implemented. The delay in implementing the sanction was due to the Hungarian government vetoing it.  The conflict between Hamas and Israel has caused division within the European Union, as highlighted by an EU Diplomat who stated:

“It’s a disgrace, Europe is nowhere in this discussion. [European Commission President Ursula] von der Leyen is burned. [The EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Josep] Borrel is not taken seriously inside or outside the EU.”

The EU has already sanctioned the Palestinian militant group Hamas, targeting their financial streams and several individuals. While a proposal for sanctions against Israeli settlers was made in December, member countries informally lean towards agreeing on Hamas sanctions first before addressing sanctions against extremist settlers. Following the announcement of the veto, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed the Hungarian Government’s opposition to the measure. He expressed his belief that it would only exacerbate tensions in the Middle East. Read details HERE: Hungary against sanctioning Israel

Czech Government Backtracks

Yesterday, news broke that the Czech Government intended to join the Hungarian Government in vetoing the proposed sanctions. However, today, the Czech Government reversed its decision and is no longer opposing the European Union’s sanctions against aggressive Israeli settlers according to Politico. The Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Lipavsky,  provided insight into this change of stance, stating:

“Terrorism is not on the same level as the actions of the settlers, the two should not be linked.”

After the Czech Government withdrew its support for the veto, the Hungarian Government appears to remain steadfast in its opposition to the sanctions.

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EU had proven ineffective in moving the war in Ukraine towards peace, says Minister Szijjártó in NY

António Guterres and Minister Péter Sztijjártó

The most important international task right now is to avoid an escalation in the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Thursday, warning that if either of those conflicts spread to other countries, it could easily lead to a third world war.

Several international organisations have failed when it came to peace-making in recent years, Szijjártó, who is on a visit to New York, said in a post on Facebook. He argued that the European Union and other organisations had proven ineffective in moving the war in Ukraine towards peace over the last two years.

Instead of peace, there are weapons deliveries, which prolong the conflict and lead to more casualties, he added.

Meanwhile, Szijjártó said the global fight against terror had taken “a big hit” last October when Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel. He said the success of Israel’s counter-terrorism operations was a global interest, underlining the importance of protecting civilians and freeing the hostages.

“The United Nations is just about the last hope for preventing escalation in Ukraine and the Middle East,” Szijjártó said.

“I have assured Secretary-General Guterres that Hungary will provide all support to the UN in order to establish peace.”

He said Hungary had paid the last instalment of its member state contribution for this year at the end of January, making it one of the countries that ensures the effective functioning of the organisation.

The minister said that this was “not true for everyone”, noting there was a “rich and powerful country” that owed the UN budget hundreds of millions of dollars, thus threatening the effectiveness of its operations.

Szijjártó said the UN was a key organisation, as it provided a platform for communication even between nations that are at war with each other.

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Palestinians slam Hungary’s standpoint concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Palestines slammed Hungary's standpoint concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

You may read the unchanged statement of the embassy of the state of Palestine below.

The embassy of the state of Palestine was shocked and disappointed by the Hungarian Foreign Minister’s remarks. The statement did not mention tens of thousands of Palestinians injured and over 23,000 Palestinians killed by the Israeli terror machine, leaving thousands more missing, mostly women and children. The Minister spoke solely about the Israeli perspective, ignoring the existence of a Palestinian side.

The right to self-defense was also mentioned in the statement, unevenly granted and denied to parties involved. Occupying states don’t have the right to self-defense against an occupied land, disregarding all recognized international principles for self-defense; necessity, proportionality, and simultaneity. These terms are clearly out of line with the actions of the occupying power; terms more appropriate would be aggression, war crimes, and massacres.

The repeated emphasis on “terrorism” is questioned, especially considering the questionable nature of many Israeli narratives. Nonetheless, can it serve as a justification to destroy homes, bomb religious places, schools, and hospitals, target vehicles and ambulances, and enforce collective punishment on two million people by restricting access to water, food, and medicine? Does this justify the occupation army and settler groups’ terrorism in the West Bank and Jerusalem?

Does the “Human Shield” claim justify the death of over 1% of the population of Gaza, by the Israeli self-proclaimed “world’s most advanced war machine”? If the Israeli apartheid state, which purports to uphold democracy and army morality, is capable of such military powers, it is either incapable of distinguishing between military and civilian targets or deliberately murders every living thing in the besieged Gaza Strip. To bring justice to the victims in both cases—who are more than
just names and numbers—a full investigation is necessary.

These victims also have names, dreams, memories, lovers, family, and friends. The main question still stands: In this era of states upholding the rule of law and guided by international order, where does one go to seek justice? Isn’t that the court? Therefore, Shouldn’t any obstruction of the International Court of Justice work be considered an infringement of legal jurisdictions, and politicization of the judicial processes? As Palestinians sought their national aspirations through peaceful means over the years, Israeli governments consistently and openly rejected them. Attempts through international forums met opposition from veto-wielding powers, and now even resorting to the judiciary authorities is questioned. Must Palestinians put up with the occupation, resource theft, and child murder without fighting for justice? must they accept death in silence so as not to disturb the occupier and the superpowers who back them?

Hungary and Palestine have a history of distinguished relations. Both nations share painful experiences of occupation at times and joyous experiences related to sovereign and independent decisions and success in various fields. The Embassy of the State of Palestine looks forward positively to Hungary’s support of the South African initiative as well as any other endeavor that seeks to bring justice for the victims and a just peace at large. Peace is the only way to put an end to the instability that can only be resolved by the Palestinian people receiving justice and realizing their legitimate right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Read also:

  • Hungarian national victim of the October Hamas attack revealed – Read more HERE
  • Latest poll: Hungarians worry about Islamist terrorism and sympathise with Israel

FM Szijjártó holds discussion with Israeli minister

szijjártó east west cooperation

Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, talked with Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, over the phone on Monday.

Szijjártó and Dermer discussed the situation in the Middle East, and Szijjártó reiterated Hungary’s stance that Israel had the right to self-defence, the Hungarian minister said on Facebook.

Szijjártó said the international community had a vested interest in avoiding terror attacks like the one Israel had suffered.

Dermer confirmed media reports that the body of a hostage, a Hungarian-Israeli dual citizen, had been found, Szijjártó said.

The ministers again reinforced their commitment to freeing the other Hungarian-Israeli hostage still held by Hamas, he said.

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