Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has strongly criticised Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning that starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.
Speaking at a joint news conference with visiting Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Vilnius on Monday, Nauseda urged Israel to take urgent action to ease the suffering of civilians in the war-torn enclave.
“The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire. I call on the Israeli Government to ensure the adequate delivery and distribution of aid to civilians, especially women and children,” he said. “Starvation cannot be used as a tool of political or military fighting.”
Nauseda also condemned ongoing violence in the West Bank and the expansion of Israeli settlements, calling for full respect for human rights in the region.
Despite the criticism, the Lithuanian leader reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Israel, particularly in defence and security sectors.
Herzog’s visit comes amid mounting international pressure over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn widespread concern over civilian casualties and humanitarian access. The Lithuanian capital saw protests during the visit, with demonstrators criticising their government’s partnership with Israel.
According to Herzog’s office, Lithuania is the first stop on his tour of the Baltic States, which will also include Latvia and Estonia. The trip is aimed at deepening ties in economic, technological, and security cooperation, and Herzog is accompanied by an economic delegation.