Gaza City: The Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, praised several European countries on Friday for their calls to end what they termed as the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip. The group expressed support for the positions taken by Spain, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, and Slovenia, who have collectively condemned the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and called for an immediate halt to hostilities and the lifting of the siege.

According to Anadolu Agency, these seven European nations have raised alarms that many Palestinians could face starvation in the coming days and weeks if urgent measures are not implemented. The nations emphasized their unwillingness to remain silent in the face of what they described as a man-made humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

Hamas also acknowledged French President Emmanuel Macron's call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the siege on Gaza. Macron's stance, which rejects the ongoing practices against Palestinian civilians, was recognized by Hamas as adding to the chorus of European voices opposing the continuation of the conflict.

The group further noted that these international positions signify a moral and conscientious stand against what they describe as the Israeli occupation's crimes and massacres committed against Palestinians. The ongoing Israeli military offensive on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly affecting women and children.

In related developments, the International Criminal Court has previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its military actions in the enclave.