Prague: Czech President Petr Pavel said Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline approach in Gaza is making it increasingly difficult for Prague to maintain support for Israel. 'It is very hard to defend the latest actions in Gaza,' Pavel told Radio Prague International, while also underlining the need to continue pressing Hamas to release the remaining hostages.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pavel noted that his position differs from that of Prime Minister Petr Fiala's government, which he said backs Israel 'almost without reservations.' He stressed, however, that the divergence does not amount to a major rift, only that the Cabinet is 'reluctant to be critical' of Netanyahu.

Pavel described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'unsustainable' and announced plans to address the issue in an upcoming phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The ongoing military campaign by Israel has resulted in the deaths of more than 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, leaving the region devastated and facing famine.

In a related development, last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.