Warsaw: Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has described the situation in Gaza as a 'terrible tragedy,' while asserting that it does not constitute genocide. Speaking during an interview with Polish Radio, Sikorski addressed a recent ruling by the UN Commission of Inquiry, which accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
According to Anadolu Agency, Sikorski emphasized the importance of using the term 'genocide' with caution. He stated, "Genocide refers to the deliberate and intentional extermination of an ethnic group, and words must be weighed carefully. If we overuse such words, next time we may no longer have them at our disposal." Sikorski argued that if Israel intended to commit genocide, it could have achieved it swiftly. Instead, he described the situation as a conflict initiated by Hamas, resulting in significant civilian casualties, but not genocide.
Sikorski further commented on the involvement of opposition MP Franciszek Sterczewski, who joined a humanitarian flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. Sterczewski was aboard when the mission was attacked and claimed a duty to be present where human rights are violated. Sikorski clarified that Polish law does not mandate such actions, though he acknowledged his own participation in similar missions at personal risk.
The foreign minister also referenced a poll he conducted via the social media platform X, questioning whether the state should cover evacuation costs for individuals on such missions or require reimbursement. In response, Sterczewski argued for a moral obligation of MPs to defend human rights and urged governmental support for Palestinians, rather than financial penalties.
The ongoing conflict has seen the Israeli army kill over 66,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in Gaza following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The intense bombardment has devastated the region, leading to uninhabitable conditions, starvation, and disease outbreaks. The International Criminal Court previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli figures Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.