The ministry said Ambassador Maciej Hunia was called in “for an official démarche by the head of the Political-Strategic Division, following unacceptable statements made by the prime minister of Poland.”
On Sunday, Tusk wrote on X that Poland “was, is and will be” on Israel’s side against Islamist terrorism, “but never on the side of politicians whose actions lead to hunger and the deaths of mothers and children,” adding this should be obvious to nations that endured World War Two.
“Israel firmly rejects these accusations and expects Poland to refrain from using language that distorts history and dishonors the memory of Holocaust victims,” Israel’s statement said.
It added Israel is fighting a terrorist group seeking to kill Jews and destroy Israel, acts within international law, and has significantly expanded efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, including with the European Union.
International criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza has intensified in recent weeks amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. International organizations warn much of the population faces hunger and current aid flows are insufficient. Local medical services said eight people died from hunger and malnutrition in the past day, bringing the total since the war began to 188, including 94 children.
On Monday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded on X that Tusk coupled his condemnation of Hamas with “an unacceptable reference to politicians.”
Earlier, Poland’s Foreign Ministry said it recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense but does not accept the Gaza death toll, citing people killed by Israeli forces in “their declared effort to eliminate Hamas’ combat and organizational capabilities.”
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Source: PAP, Times of Israel