On 23 January Foreign Minister of the State of Israel, Gideon Sa’ar, visited Budapest. The visit was scheduled to take place a week earlier, but it had to be postponed due to the ceasefire agreement that was being finalized at the time. Hungary was happy to accommodate the postponement request, considering it was for a cause that brings the Middle East closer to peace, said Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, at the joint press conference with his Israeli colleague.
Hungary Welcomes the Ceasefire
‘Hungary welcomes the ceasefire and greatly appreciates the wisdom of the Israeli government in making this difficult decision,’ said Péter Szijjártó.
As we reported earlier, after 15 months of war, Hamas and Israel reached an agreement regarding Israeli citizens held captive in Gaza and a suspension of hostilities. Under the terms of the accepted ceasefire and prisoner exchange, Hamas released the first three Israeli captives from Gaza on Sunday afternoon in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli jails. In the first phase of the ceasefire, a total of 33 Israeli hostages will be freed out of the 94 still held captive in Gaza. According to the agreement, over the next six weeks, the Israel Defense Forces will gradually withdraw from northern Gaza.
‘We Hungarians are deeply concerned about everything happening in the Middle East. We see the suffering of the people living there due to terrorism and armed conflicts, and we are fully aware of the severe impact the Middle Eastern security crisis has on global security as well,’ the Hungarian Foreign Minister stated.
Hungarian Hostage Still in Hamas Captivity
Hungary has a specific interest in the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, as the release of the Hungarian citizen held hostage can only occur if the first phase is fully completed and negotiations for the second phase begin. Omri Miran, father of two, was abducted by Hamas terrorists on 7 October 2023. The last sign of life from him was in April last year when Hamas released a video in which he appeared. Since then, nothing has been known about his whereabouts or condition. Omri’s mother is Hungarian, which granted him Hungarian citizenship.
Gideon Sa’ar reported that he had spoken just yesterday with the wife of Omri and expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government for its efforts to secure his release.
Trump the Peacemaker
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó declared that the inauguration of US President Donald Trump is a positive development and recalled that he was the only foreign minister present at the White House Rose Garden when the Abraham Accords were signed in 2020.
‘Previously, no one believed that such an agreement could be achieved. President Trump proved that sometimes the impossible is possible,’ Szijjártó said. ‘We sincerely hope that President Trump’s leadership will contribute to restoring peace, calm, and stability in the Middle East,’ he added during the joint press conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Hungary Defends Israel at International Forums
In recent times, hostile sentiments towards Israel have prevailed on platforms like the United Nations and the European Union. However, Hungary has always sought to counterbalance this using its available means, the Hungarian Foreign Minister pointed out.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) lost its credibility and seriousness when it issued an arrest warrant against the Prime Minister of Israel, the Minister added. He noted that this is also part of the alarming trend of modern antisemitism. Hungary actively combats all forms of antisemitism within its borders, across Europe, and in global organizations, he emphasized.
‘Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary is a close friend and an important ally of Israel,’ began Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli Foreign Minister. He highlighted the importance of the support received from Hungary in international organizations and the good personal relationship between the two countries’ leaders.
When Will the War in Gaza End?
Israel will not compromise on its primary objectives, including the elimination of Hamas’ military and political control and the return of all hostages, the Israeli Foreign Minister stressed answering a question. Israel stood firm in its principles while Hamas shifted its position under pressure from Israel and US President Donald Trump, Sa’ar noted.
‘Israel will not accept Hamas’ rule in the Gaza Strip. As long as Hamas is in power, there will be no peace, security, or stability in the Middle East,’ Gideon Sa’ar concluded.
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