Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan on an armed clash between Hamas and Israel

Kazakhstan condemns the attacks by Hamas against civilians in Israel and the capture of hostages, including foreigners. We support the call of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on immediate and unconditional release of hostages and ensure the unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.

As the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated during his speech at the Summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Bishkek: “Challenges that have not been finding their solution for decades cannot be resolved by terrorist actions. There is no justification.”

Kazakhstan also calls on Israel to refrain from a disproportionate use of force leading to numerous victims among the civilian population of the Gaza Strip and the destruction of civil infrastructure.

In this situation, it is crucial to comply with the norms of international law, and follow the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, which secure the legal rights of the Palestinian people. Violence leads to counter-violence and inevitably causes tragic consequences for the Middle East and the rest of the world.

Kazakhstan expresses solidarity with the international community requiring cancelling the established time frame to evacuate the residents of the Gaza Strip and ensure protection of civilians who should not become hostages of the conflict.

In this regard, Kazakhstan calls on all parties to immediate ceasefire and focus efforts on achieving peaceful resolution based on stability and security for all residents of the region according to Two State solution.