Poland Condemns Excessive Force by Israel and Calls for Respect of Humanitarian Laws

Poland's Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, has publicly criticized Israel's military response to Hamas's recent attacks, accusing it of excessive use of force. He urged Israel to adhere to international humanitarian laws during its operations in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing that no nation has the right to cause children to go hungry. Sikorski's comments followed a statement from Thomas Rose, the incoming U.S. ambassador to Poland, who defended Israel's actions as lawful amidst ongoing conflicts. Sikorski pointed out that Israel's military measures were provoked by Hamas's assault on October 7, 2023, which he condemned as a criminal act detrimental to the Palestinian cause. He expressed concern over the high civilian toll, highlighting that even in self-defense, Israel must respect international law. Sikorski acknowledged Poland's historical experiences with occupation and mass atrocities, reaffirming its support for Israel while criticizing certain policies such as settlement expansion. Furthermore, Sikorski stressed that Israel bears responsibility for the welfare of Palestinians under its control, condemning the starvation of children in Gaza—reportedly about 80 ch...