Israel’s ambassador in Athens, Noam Katz, pushed back sharply against mounting international criticism of his country’s war in Gaza, insisting that Israel is not committing genocide but fighting “a hard and horrible war” against Hamas.

In an exclusive interview with protothema.gr, Katz said the Israeli Defense Forces are moving into Gaza City’s most fortified Hamas stronghold — a densely populated area with an extensive tunnel network. “Our main objectives are the safe return of 48 hostages still held by Hamas and the destruction of Hamas’s military capacity,” he said. “The war can end tomorrow if Hamas lays down its weapons and its leadership leaves.”

On genocide accusations

With global outrage growing, Katz dismissed the use of the term genocide as “wrong and dangerous.” He compared Israel’s campaign to the international fight against ISIS. “The world fought ISIS for four and a half years until it was destroyed. Nobody made a deal with ISIS,” he argued.

He emphasized that humanitarian aid is reaching Gaza: “Over 1,700 trucks entered this week. There are distribution problems, but no restrictions from Israel.”

On flotilla and Hamas links

Asked about a flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza, Katz said Israel had proposed unloading aid in Ashkelon for transfer to Gaza, but insisted the organizers were linked to Hamas. “They serve Hamas’s interests. If their goal is humanitarian, they are welcome to deliver through Ashkelon,” he noted.

Relations with Greece

Katz praised Greece as a “strategic partner” despite occasional differences, pointing to cooperation on aid deliveries and Athens’ calls for the release of hostages. “Greece has a balanced and intelligent view of this complex situation,” he said.

Tourism and security

On Israeli visitors to Greece, Katz downplayed security concerns after protests by pro-Palestinian activists. “In August alone, more than 250,000 Israelis visited Greece. They experience Greek hospitality, enjoy their stay, and contribute significantly to the economy,” he said, adding that about 1 million Israelis travel to Greece annually.