Blanar on Anniversary of Hamas Attack on Israel: Two-State Solution Needed

Bratislava, October 7 (TASR) - Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD), speaking in connection with the first anniversary of the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel, has said that the time is right for the international community to exert even more pressure in order to achieve a two-state arrangement in this conflict, the Foreign Affairs Ministry's communications department informed TASR on Monday. According to Blanar, a two-state arrangement "as the only and fair solution can stabilise relations between Israel and Palestine". "The pressure for a humanitarian ceasefire will grow," stated the minister, adding that Slovakia is concerned about stability in this region. On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people. The militants took 250 people hostage, and 97 of them are still in the Gaza Strip. Slovakia strongly condemned this act by Hamas, reads the ministry's statement. "Since then, we have witnessed a devastating war in Gaza, with tens of thousands of victims and huge suffering among civilians, a humanitarian crisis and violations of international humanitarian law. I call for a return to international diplomacy and an end to the fighting. Peace efforts must be given a chance," said Blanar, adding that the conflict has also spread to the territory of Lebanon and may escalate further. During the weekend Slovakia evacuated 34 Slovak citizens from Lebanon in connection with the worsening security situation in the country. ko/df