LJUBLJANA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia again urged Israel to stop its ground offensive on Gaza City, warning it would only bring further destruction and risk dragging the region into a prolonged conflict, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said Thursday.
"Despite our repeated calls to halt their aggression, Israel has launched the initial phase of a ground offensive on Gaza City," Fajon said in a post on the ministry's account on social platform X.
She said the attack not only violates international law but also shows Israel's disregard for international efforts toward a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, the release of hostages and the pursuit of a two-state solution.
Earlier this month, Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to fully capture Gaza City, with Defense Minister Israel Katz ordering the call-up of some 60,000 reservists. The army launched the first phase of the operation earlier this week.
Separately, 21 countries, including Slovenia, issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Israel's plan to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank. They warned the move would split the territory into northern and southern parts and further undermine -- if not bury -- prospects for a future Palestinian state.
On the same day, Slovenia also joined a Media Freedom Coalition statement urging Israel to grant foreign journalists immediate access to Gaza and ensure their safety.
"Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war," said the coalition's statement, signed by Slovenia and dozens of other countries. ■
