European Ministers Acknowledge Misstep in Pressuring Israel, Says Sa’ar

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar revealed Tuesday that several European counterparts privately acknowledged their mistake in signing a joint letter criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. The letter, signed by Britain and over 20 other nations, called for an immediate end to the war and faulted Israel’s aid delivery system after hundreds of Palestinians were killed near food distribution sites.

“More than one European foreign minister told me that this letter was a mistake and only emboldened Hamas in the ceasefire talks,” Sa’ar said. “International pressure on Israel is only hardening Hamas's stance; global pressure must be on Hamas to free the hostages and lay down its arms.”

Sa’ar noted that while military pressure in Gaza remains effective, Israel is also prepared to pursue diplomatic channels. However, he warned that misplaced international pressure not only undermines negotiations but also fuels rising antisemitism.

The latest round of hostage-ceasefire talks in Doha, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, ended without a breakthrough despite reports of progress. Sa’ar accused Hamas of both stealing and profiting from humanitarian aid meant for Gaza’s civilians.

Addressing accusations that Israel is deliberately starving Gaza, he called the claims false. “The situation is tough, but the idea that Israel has implemented a ‘starvation policy’ is a lie,” he said. “Reality is the opposite Israel is working very hard under very complicated circumstances to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

Sa’ar also dismissed renewed calls for Palestinian statehood, warning that any such move would empower extremists. “Establishing a Palestinian state today is establishing a Hamas state. A jihadist state,” he stated.

He criticized remarks by France’s foreign minister in New York, who urged Europe to pressure Israel toward a two-state solution. “But this cannot and will not lead Israel to commit suicide,” Sa’ar declared.

Sa’ar’s comments reflect a growing frustration in Jerusalem over what Israeli officials view as one-sided international pressure, which they say overlooks Hamas’s responsibility for the ongoing war and the suffering of civilians in both Israel and Gaza.

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