VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda publicly criticized Israel’s handling of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Vilnius on Monday. nauseda stated that deliberately causing starvation is unacceptable and cannot be justified as a tactic in political or military conflict.

“The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire,” Nauseda said at a joint press conference, as reported by Baltic News Service (BNS). “I urge the Israeli goverment to take immediate action to alleviate the crisis by ensuring sufficient humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza,notably women and children.”

Nauseda also called on Israel to uphold human rights within gaza and voiced his condemnation of violence in the West Bank, including the continued expansion of settlements deemed illegal under international law. He emphasized the importance of respecting international humanitarian principles.

Despite expressing thes concerns, Nauseda also highlighted the ongoing efforts to bolster bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Israel in the defense and security sectors.Both leaders acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration.

president Herzog’s visit to Lithuania occurs amid increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis. The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the impact on civilian populations.

During Herzog’s visit, protests were held in Vilnius, demonstrating opposition to Lithuania’s cooperation with Israel. These demonstrations reflect the diverse perspectives surrounding the israeli-palestinian conflict.

According to the Israeli president’s office, Lithuania is the first stop on Herzog’s tour of the Baltic States, scheduled from August 3rd to 6th. He will afterward visit Latvia and Estonia, accompanied by an economic delegation, to strengthen economic, technological, and security ties.