Poland's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau confirmed on Thursday (Nov.9) that there were Polish citizens among the hostages taken by Hamas. Rau took part in a conference summoned on the initiative of France's President Emmanuel Macron and focusing on the humanitarian aid and current situation in the Gaza Strip.
Minister Rau on Thursday took part in a conference focusing on the humanitarian aid and current situation in the Gaza Strip. The meeting was summoned on the initiative of the President of France Emmanuel Macron.
At a press conference after the meeting, the Polish minister confirmed that the group of hostages taken by Hamas included Polish nationals. He refused to specify exactly how many Polish citizens were taken hostage.
"The information provided by the minister isn't new" - said TVN24 reporter Artur Molęda, currently in Tel Aviv. He added he had asked the Polish MFA for details, but the ministry refused due to security reasons.
The reporter reminded that Hamas has taken 240 hostages. "Among them is Alex Dancyg, a Polish Jewish historian," Molęda said.
According to a statement published by the Polish MFA, "Rau found it necessary that all parties respect international humanitarian law". "Pointing to the need to increase humanitarian aid and the capacity of the Rafah Border Crossing, he called for foreigners, including nearly 30 Polish nationals, to be allowed out of the Gaza Strip without delay."
"The minister also highlighted Poland’s engagement in Palestine, both bilateral and multilateral, and its presence and role in building stability in the region. He noted that Poland doubled its contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the light of the ensuing situation, we read.
"During the conference, Minister Rau condemned the terrorist acts perpetrated by Hamas against the civilian population of Israel and observed that every state has the right to self-defence with respect for international law. He also urged immediate release of all hostages in the Gaza Strip," the MFA said in the statement.
Rau also stressed "that a full-scale war has continued in Ukraine and that the country is facing humanitarian needs due to the coming winter. He observed that both crises require increased attention and activities of the international community."
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, Reuters, PAP, gov.pl