At a meeting with diplomats accredited in Poland, Zbigniew Rau on Wednesday reaffirmed his country's "disapproval of the doings of Hamas and other extremist groups," the Polish foreign ministry said.
Rau told his guests that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas was causing immense suffering and "hoped for the release and return home of all persons held hostage by Hamas," according to a statement from the Polish foreign ministry.
Rau "noted that Israel’s response to the recent events must conform to international standards, while the protection of civilians on both sides of the conflict should be a priority," according to the statement.
During the meeting, Rau "emphasised that the continued flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza must be secured," the Polish foreign ministry also said.
It announced that Poland would contribute an additional PLN 1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Poland last week condemned civilian deaths in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and called on all sides to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East.
EU leaders on October 15 condemned Hamas attacks on Israel and backed Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law.
The Israel-Hamas war began when the Palestinian organisation Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7, according to media reports.
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Source: gov.pl
