ATHENS — Main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, in an announcement on Tuesday regarding developments in the Middle East, stated that "today's EU Foreign Ministers Council must make a substantive contribution to peace prevailing in the Middle East".

"The EU is obliged to finally play an active role and not watch developments from the sidelines: an immediate ceasefire with the cessation of Israeli bombing and the firing of missiles by Hamas, respect for international law and an end to the Israeli settlements, a restart of credible, direct talks and a resolution of the Palestinian issue on the basis of UN decisions," SYRIZA said, adding that the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, should visit the region for deliberations.

SYRIZA also noted that "Dendias' visit to the region, including for the first time, finally, to Ramallah – to Palestine as it is officially called in Greece since 2016 and not the 'Palestinian territories' – should be accompanied by [Greece's] insistence on the resolution of the Middle East issue based on UN decisions for two countries that will co-exist with peace and security, on the basis of the 1967 borders and with the capital of the Palestinian state in Eastern Jerusalem."

"Greece", said the main opposition party, "should return to its role as bridge in the region with active initiatives for peace, security and respect for international law."