FM Ashkenazi: World must work together to weaken Hamas

• Author: Yoni Kempinski
• Date: 26 May 2021
• Published date: 26 May 2021
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

Minister Ashkenazi thanked Foreign Secretary Raab for Britain's support of Israel throughout Operation Guardian of the Walls and condemnation of Hamas's rocket fire against Israeli civilians, use of civilian targets for military operations, and exploitation of the local civilian population.

Foreign Minister Ashkenazi told his counterpart that weakening Hamas is an Israeli, Palestinian, regional, and international interest, and called on Britain to designate Hamas a terrorist organization as part of the effort to prevent the strengthening and financing of this organization. Foreign Minister Ashkenazi also asked his British counterpart to work towards the release of the captives and missing persons being held by the terrorist organization.

Minister Ashkenazi and Foreign Secretary Raab also discussed the threat that Iran and its proxies pose to the Middle East, and the importance of stopping the Ayatollah regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Ashkenazi said: "There is a correlation between this recent escalation and Iran's breaches on the nuclear front and destabilizing activities in the region. The *Iranian drones that were launched at Israel during Operation Guardian of the Walls originated from the same place as the drones that attacked the coalition forces. Iran undermines stability in the Middle East and encourages violence and terror in every...