Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Sunday, March 30, reinforcing the strategic partnership between Greece and Israel. The discussions encompassed regional security, bilateral cooperation, and the pressing humanitarian situation in Gaza.
During the meeting, Mitsotakis underscored the importance of securing the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. He also expressed hope for a swift ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that such a development should pave the way for a broader framework to consider the future beyond the current crisis.
During the meeting Mitsotakis announced an upcoming scholarship program in honor of Ionas Karussis (Karousis), a 26-year-old Greek student who was tragically killed in a shooting attack in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, last October. The initiative aims to foster closer ties between students in Greece and Israel, offering them educational opportunities in both countries.
Welcoming the Greek prime minister, Herzog highlighted the significance of the enduring friendship between the two nations. He noted that Israel remains deeply concerned about the hostages held in Gaza, with troubling reports emerging regarding their well-being.
Addressing the urgency of the matter, Herzog reiterated that the nation’s top priority is securing their return, and he stressed the broader international community’s moral obligation to support this effort.
With the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations from the Muslim community, Herzog expressed hope that the occasion would serve as a catalyst for the release of the hostages. He emphasized the moral imperative of such an action, viewing it as an essential gesture of goodwill and humanitarian responsibility.
Reflecting on the tragic loss of Ionas Karussis, Herzog expressed gratitude for Greece’s support and for Mitsotakis’ personal engagement with the Karussis family. He described the young student as a symbol of the deep-rooted ties between Greece and Israel and acknowledged the scholarship initiative as a meaningful tribute to his memory.
Mitsotakis, in turn, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Israel. He reiterated his country’s solidarity in the pursuit of regional stability and humanitarian relief.
The prime minister concluded by looking forward to further discussions with both Herzog and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing Greece’s continued engagement in fostering peace and cooperation in the region.
