Athens: 'We don't need lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians,' the Athens mayor told the Israeli envoy on Sunday, who accused municipal authorities of failing to address 'antisemitic graffiti' in the city.
According to Anadolu Agency, the mayor, Haris Dukas, emphasized that Athens, as the capital of a democratic country, respects its visitors and supports the right of free expression of its citizens. He stated, 'As the city's municipal authority, we have demonstrated our active opposition to violence and racism and we do not accept lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians and children in food lines, from those who lead dozens of people to death in Gaza every day, from bombs, hunger and thirst.'
Dukas further criticized Ambassador Noam Katz for focusing solely on graffiti, which he claimed was being addressed, while overlooking the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. 'It is appalling that Mr. Ambassador focuses only on graffiti, which is apparently being erased, while an unprecedented genocide is being carried out in Gaza,' Dukas noted.
In an interview with the Greek daily Kathimerini, Katz expressed concern that antisemitic graffiti was making Israeli visitors uncomfortable and accused city authorities of inaction in addressing the issue.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported on Sunday that the death toll from starvation caused by the Israeli blockade has reached 175 Palestinians, including 93 children, since the escalation of violence began in October 2023. The Israeli military has continued its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, resulting in the deaths of more than 60,800 Palestinians, most of whom were women and children.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.