Lithuanian president says Israel violates international law in Gaza, but its isolation not solution

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Israel violates international law in Gaza, but its isolation is not a solution, the Lithuanian president said on Tuesday, as Tel Aviv continues its offensive that has led to civilian deaths and a humanitarian crisis.

“You would have to be completely blind not to see that humanitarian law is being violated in Gaza,” Gitanas Nauseda told public broadcaster LRT.

“There are plenty of violations that have drawn legitimate criticism around the world – and harsh criticism, too. Many are outraged that, once again, as always, innocent people are suffering. People in Gaza who aren’t involved in the hostilities, children who are being denied the most basic human rights: access to food and clean water. And that’s terrible,” he added.

However, Nauseda argued, “I believe we must cooperate, because if we don’t, all our remarks toward Israel will be pointless, because we would simply have no relationship with Israel.”

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive in Gaza since October 2023, killing nearly 54,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with most of the population suffering from high levels of food insecurity.

Only a small amount of aid has been allowed to cross into the enclave after over a two-month blockade imposed in early March.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war crimes against defenseless civilians in the enclave.

Western countries have been accused of inaction despite the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. Recently, some leaders appeared to have moved beyond condemnations, threatening sanctions and review of agreements with Israel if the situation does not improve.