ATHENS — Greece’s foreign ministry says a Greek national was among the people killed in Tuesday evening’s shooting attack in the Jaffa neighborhood of Tel Aviv.

A ministry statement Wednesday said the man, whom it did not name, was a resident of Jerusalem.

The ministry condemned what it called a “terrorist” attack and expressed the “deepest sorrow” at the death of the Greek national.

Israel police said on Wednesday a total of seven people were killed in the shooting.

Senior diplomatic source: Middle East conflict at a critical point- Greece’s role as a reliable interlocutor recognised

The conflict in the Middle East is at a critical point in terms of its escalation, according to a senior diplomatic source on Wednesday, who said that Iran’s stance, as well as the stance of moderate Arab states will be crucial.

The same source also confirmed that Greece is recognised as a reliable interlocutor by all sides and referred to Greek initiatives within the European Union.

According to the source, Greece maintains its credibility and excellent relations with both Israel and the Arab countries, “with international law as our guide and the application of political principles” and explained that the Greek side recognises Israel’s right to self-defence, but always with respect for humanitarian law and based on the assumption that any process should lead to the recognition of the Palestinian state.

Within the framework of the EU, Greece took the initiative to set up a special group (task force) consisting of Arab and European foreign ministers with a mediating role. Arab countries with a milder policy, such as Jordan, will have a central position in this group, the source pointed out.

“It is important to have Arab states with a mild stance, as security in the region is based on this (…) The longer the conflict lasts, the more radicalisation increases,” the diplomatic source warned, and at the same time stressed the need to support the Palestinian Authority with the provision of expertise to deepen democratic institutions so that it gains greater legitimacy and can take on a leadership role, as there is no other alternative in sight.

Sources: Associated Press, Athens News Agency