Hungarian FM Szijjártó warns Israel conflict may escalate to WWIII
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The escalating conflict in Israel has raised concerns about the possibility of it turning into an interstate armed conflict, with fears of it leading to a third world war, warned Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. He made these comments during his visit to the United Nations Security Council in New York, where he highlighted the presence of several European and North American counterparts due to the level of concern over the situation in Israel.
Szijjártó emphasized that it is crucial to recognize that Israel has been a victim of a brutal terrorist attack. The firing of thousands of missiles on the territory of a sovereign country, resulting in civilian casualties and hostage-taking, leaves no room for interpretation other than an act of terrorism. He stressed Israel’s right to self-defense in response to this attack. However, he also expressed the collective desire of most countries to prevent the fight against terrorism from escalating into an interstate war, which he described as a global security tragedy.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister had discussions with Egyptian, Jordanian, and Emirati counterparts, focusing on the importance of their countries’ stability in the Middle East region. He praised the reserved, constructive, and positive approach of these Arab nations, which he believes significantly contributes to regional security and stability. Szijjártó also emphasized the need to preserve the progress and hope for peace brought about by the Abraham Accords, despite the terrorist attack against Israel.
Additionally, Szijjártó acknowledged Egypt’s crucial role in preventing illegal migration and maintaining stability in the region. He highlighted the overwhelming pressure that Europe would face if the Middle East becomes more unstable. Furthermore, he pointed out that Egypt is the only land route out of the Gaza Strip, reinforcing its significance as a key player in the situation.
The minister also provided an update on the 15 Hungarian citizens currently trapped in Gaza. He assured that all of them are safe and mentioned the government’s efforts to explore options for their evacuation, considering the physical, legal, and security aspects. Szijjártó emphasized the necessity of a major international agreement and broad international cooperation to facilitate their safe return. Although permission was recently granted for them to enter Egypt, they were denied entry due to security concerns.
In conclusion, an escalation of the fight against terrorism in Israel to an interstate war would not only destabilize several countries but also put Europe under unbearable security pressure, in addition to the existing pressure from Ukraine, warned the Hungarian Foreign Minister. The situation calls for international efforts to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of those affected by the conflict.
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