Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, potentially generating momentum for further recognition and putting pressure on Israel to engage in negotiations. These developments come amid international outrage over the civilian toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israel’s offensive and reflect growing diplomatic pressure on Israel as the conflict with Hamas continues.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has voiced support for China’s peace plan in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, highlighting the importance of prioritizing peace over war. Szijjarto expressed concern about the influence of the ‘pro-war camp’ and emphasized the need to amplify the voices advocating for peace. Both China and Hungary are strengthening their commitment to the peace camp, according to Szijjarto.
In an interview with a U.S. network, Pope Francis expressed his deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Emphasizing the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions, he urged warring nations to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations to end the bloodshed. The Pope condemned the devastating impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians in Gaza, highlighting the food scarcity and humanitarian crisis faced by its residents. He revealed that he had been in regular contact with contacts in Gaza, who informed him of the dire situation on the ground. Pope Francis also addressed the toll that the prolonged conflict in Ukraine has taken on children, expressing concern that they had lost the ability to smile due to the trauma they had endured. He appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and pursue peaceful negotiations.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has accused the EU and NATO of preparing for a world war in response to the worsening situation in Ukraine. He criticized the constant supply of ammunition and weapons to Ukraine and questioned its effectiveness. Hungary believes that Ukraine should seek peace and that arming Kyiv will only prolong the conflict. The minister expressed hope that Donald Trump’s victory in the upcoming US presidential elections would bring about a change in policy towards the Ukraine conflict.
