The resurgence of regional tensions, with furious Israeli-Palestinian clashes, is extremely worrisome and to some extent teaches us certain lessons.

It is worrisome because of the prospect that these clashes will spread and create cumulative instability in the broader area with a bloodbath and untold disaster, especially at a time that geopolitical fluidity combined with the pandemic can create chaos.

The situation is also didactic as regards Greek for Greek foreign policy which must be cautious. It must at once respect our commitments and alliances with countries such as Israel while at the same time contribute to normalisation based on international law, UN involvement, and peaceful rhetoric.

We are not in the 1980s or even in the 1990s. An emotional start in taking a position on developments in the region would be catastrophic and would offer nothing to the two peoples.

The equation is difficult and demands decisive mediation, agreement between the parties, and in-depth negotiations. A Manichaean or simplistic approach and verbalism do not characterise Greece’s diplomatic language.

As a member of both NATO and the EU and as a pole of regional stability Greece is obliged to monitor the situation with a mature and balanced approach.

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