Croatia Supports Gaza-Israel Truce

Croatian Ambassador Neven Jurica believes Hamas must take the truce seriously, which includes unconditional end to shelling Israel.

Croatian Ambassador in the United Nations Security Council Neven Jurica pointed out on Monday night that the Croatian position concerning the Gaza strip conflict was and is an invitation to end hostility and return to the negotiating table, i.e. return to the framework of the Annapolis process, which should secure peaceful co-existence for the two countries in this area.

Ambassador Jurica, who appeared on Croatia Television show “Otvoreno” via video link, said the “end of hostility means absolute end of long-term terrorist Hamas operations in the South of Israel, i.e. terror which Hamas conducted over cities, villages and the entire area of South Israel, constantly shelling it”-

When asked about a possible script of the crisis relocating, i.e. possible Hezbollah operations in the North of Israel, Ambassador Jurica replied he personally believes such a script would be dangerous if it would have been realistic.

- I personally believe that such a script is not realistic at the moment, because the entire Arab world is interested in quieting down the conflict and having peace – Jurica said, adding that the European Union and the USA also share this view, i.e. want operations in the Gaza strip to end as soon as possible.

Pointing out that he is familiar with the rumours on possible opening of the Northern front at the border with Lebanon, i.e. Hezbollah might start operations in the North of Israel, at the border with Lebanon, to solidarise with Hamas, he reiterated that this is not likely to happen, but he said it is hard to predict actions.

He pointed out he believes everything was directed towards a diplomatic solution of the conflict and more attention will be paid to diplomatic efforts in the upcoming days.