The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Roey Galid, has dismissed accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, asserting that the situation is being misrepresented and blaming Hamas for the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, Mr Galid described the conflict as “more complex than portrayed,” claiming that Hamas fighters had retreated from border towns such as Rafah and Khan Younis, and were now operating from Gaza City, where they were “sheltering among one million civilians.”
He said Israel was actively working to evacuate civilians to safer areas, stating that approximately 60 per cent of the population around 600,000 people had already been moved, while the remaining 40 per cent were being used as “human shields” by Hamas.
“We do not deny that what is happening in Gaza is a tragedy. But we must ask ourselves who is responsible. The biggest enemy of the Palestinian people is Hamas,” Mr Galid said.
The Ambassador’s comments followed the President, John Dramani Mahama’s address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, during which the he condemned the conflict as involving “crimes” against civilians and called for urgent international action to end the war.
President Mahama also criticised the United States for denying visas to Palestinian Authority, President Mahmoud Abbas, and his delegation, describing the decision as a “deeply troubling precedent.”
He reaffirmed Ghana’s recognition of Palestine since 1988 and reiterated support for a two-state solution, emphasising that such a resolution “will not be a reward for Hamas.”
Defending Israel’s military operations, Mr Galid cited the country’s limited geographic size and vulnerability.
“Israel is 10 times smaller than Ghana,” he said. “A single mistake could be catastrophic,” he added.
He also referenced the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 251 hostages.
According to Mr Galid, Israel forces have since dismantled Hamas’s presence in most of Gaza, with the group’s final stronghold remaining in Gaza City.
The ambassador argued that the war’s prolonged duration now entering its second year reflects Israel’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
“Had we not cared about the hostages and the civilian population, this campaign could have ended in two months instead of 24,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr Galid revealed that 48 Israeli hostages remained in Gaza, some in “dire conditions,” and accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid intended for civilians.
He reiterated calls for the group’s disarmament and the immediate release of the hostages.
BY RAYMOND APPIAH-AMPONSAH
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