(January 11, 2024)

Slovenia‘s position on the conflict in the Middle East is clear and has been expressed many times: “We strongly condemn the violence of both Hamas in Israel and of Israel in Gaza – civilians must not be targeted. We draw attention to the serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Gaza. Since 7 October 2023, 23 thousand Palestinians have been killed, 70% of them women and children. 1.9 million people have been displaced, representing almost 85 per cent of the total population. We also strongly condemn any intention to expel the Palestinian population from Gaza or the West Bank and to reduce the size of the Palestinian territory. Slovenia has consistently called for additional sanctions against Hamas and violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, as well as for the establishment of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian access and the early start of a two-state solution peace process, including international recognition of the State of Palestine, with the ultimate goal of peaceful and secure coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians,” added Minister Fajon.