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The President participated in an extraordinary European Council meeting on Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel

President of the Republic of Lithuania

October 17, 2023

On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda participated from Melbourne in a remote European Council meeting on Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. The extraordinary meeting focused on the consequences of Hamas attacks for the Middle East region, Europe and the world, ways to resolve the conflict, and preventing extremism.

The President emphasized that Lithuania strongly condemns Hamas attacks and acts of terror against Israel and its people. According to Gitanas Nausėda, there is no justification for terror and Israel has the right to defend itself in compliance with the principles of international humanitarian law.

The President also underscored the need to ensure the safety of civilians in the conflict zone and avoid a humanitarian catastrophe, which calls for a coordinated effort to stabilize the situation, prevent the conflict from escalating, and provide the necessary humanitarian assistance.

"Another large scale conflict in Europe's neighborhood is beneficial for the Kremlin. It is a convenient way to divert attention and create conditions for an escalation of the brutal war against Ukraine. We must remain vigilant and not lose focus on events, their interconnectivity and impact on the region and the world", the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda stressed the need for the EU to engage closely with regional and international, especially transatlantic, partners and allies, to prevent the further development of the conflict and to ensure a lasting peace process in the future.

The President also extended his condolences to Belgium and Sweden on the terrorist attack in Brussels, which claimed the lives of two Swedish citizens. Gitanas Nausėda stressed that the EU must stand united in fighting all forms of terrorism and extremism, as they have no place in our societies.

The President's Communication Group