NATO's important appeal. "We cannot choose to deal only with one crisis"
"The war in Gaza must not lead to a weakening of our will and ability to support Ukraine," Jens Stoltenberg said at the Nordic Council meeting in Oslo. Touching upon the situation in the Gaza Strip, he stated, "We cannot choose to deal only with one crisis at a time."
7:42 PM EDT, October 31, 2023
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, expressed his views on the situations in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine. In his opinion, the conflict in the Middle East should not influence the support that NATO extends to Ukraine amid Russian aggression.
"A new winter is approaching, and we must expect new attacks against energy supplies and other critical infrastructure. There are no signs that Russia is planning for peace. On the contrary, they are planning for more war," Stoltenberg emphasized.
NATO's Secretary General also voiced his belief that Russia's President, Vladimir Putin could decide to end the war immediately by stopping attacks on Ukraine. "Ukraine does not have that option. If Ukraine stops defending itself, they will be occupied. And occupation is not peace," he added.
Stoltenberg stressed that the support Western countries lend to Ukraine is not solely assistance for Ukraine, but also an investment in Europe's security. He commended the resolve of Ukrainians in their fight for independence as a "remarkable victory".
"Russia has lost. It has lost tens of thousands of soldiers. It has lost large amounts of military material. And it has lost political influence and is increasingly isolated," he recounted.
Stoltenberg also highlighted that "all NATO countries agree that Ukraine should become a member of NATO".
NATO aims to establish humanitarian corridors in the Gaza Strip
The Secretary General of NATO also shared his concerns about the predicament in the Middle East. According to him, the conflict in the Gaza Strip must not escalate into a serious regional conflict. He cited fears that Iran, Hezbollah, and other groups might use the situation to intensify the violence.
Stoltenberg confirmed that NATO countries are advocating for the establishment of humanitarian corridors and the cessation of hostility to help the civilian populace.
"We condemn Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel. At the same time, it is important that Israel's response takes place within international law. That civilian lives are protected, and that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza," he emphasized.
A demonstration in support of Palestinians occurred in front of the Norwegian parliament in Oslo, where the Nordic Council was meeting.
