NATO’s Stoltenberg: Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza received’t forestall alliance from being dedicated to Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated Tuesday the alliance will proceed to give attention to supporting Ukraine in its battle towards Russian invaders whilst members take care of different points, particularly the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

He made the feedback forward of this week’s conferences of NATO’s overseas ministers.

“Allies remain unwavering in their support for Ukraine and we are determined to bring Ukraine closer to NATO,” Mr. Stoltenberg stated. “We see intense fighting along the frontline and we have seen waves of drone attacks against Ukrainian cities. We need to be prepared for more fighting and also more air and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities.”

Members of the alliance will focus on preparations for NATO’s seventy fifth anniversary summit in Washington subsequent 12 months, Chinese aggressive actions within the Indo-Pacific area, and the unfolding scenario within the Middle East. Mr. Stoltenberg stated he welcomed the extension of the pause in hostilities in Gaza.

“This has allowed for much-needed relief for the people of Gaza and also the release of more hostages,” he stated.

In temporary feedback to the press on Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated he additionally was happy to see hostages returning residence after weeks in captivity following their abduction on Oct. 7, 2023, by Hamas militants.

“We’re determined to continue that for as long as possible to bring as may people home as we possibly can. And that continues,” Mr. Blinken stated.