Sokratis Famellos’ Coordinated Initiatives for Gaza: Meeting with the President of the Republic and Proposal for Mahmoud Abbas to Address the Greek Parliament
Immediate ceasefire. Humanitarian aid. A just resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Sokratis Famellos, President of SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance, is taking coordinated institutional and political initiatives aimed at urging the Greek state to respond to the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza. These initiatives involve activating the country’s top institutional and parliamentary bodies, parliamentary action by the opposition, and building international pressure in favor of peace.
Meeting with the President of the Republic on Developments in Palestine
Sokratis Famellos will meet with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Konstantinos Tasoulas, on Tuesday, May 28 at 12:00 p.m., following the President’s positive response to a formal request. In his letter, Famellos stated:
“I am requesting an urgent meeting with you, as the highest institutional representative of our country, regarding developments in Palestine.”
The meeting aims to brief the President on SYRIZA–PA’s positions and proposals concerning the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and a just and peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue.
Invitation to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
At the same time, Sokratis Famellos sent a letter to the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, proposing that an official invitation be extended to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, to address the Greek Parliament and present the situation in Gaza firsthand. In his letter, Famellos states:
“The ongoing humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip caused by the Israeli Armed Forces is undoubtedly a dark chapter in human history. Israel’s military actions have already resulted in the tragic deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, while countless more—many of them infants—are at risk due to the humanitarian crisis stemming from Israel’s refusal to allow the free flow of aid into Gaza.”
Famellos highlights that, according to a UN Special Committee, the situation constitutes genocide and stresses that for the first time, the international community is acting with unity, calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention. In contrast, he criticizes the Mitsotakis government for its “deafening silence, which stains the honor of the Greek people who have always stood in solidarity with Palestine.”
He also recalls that Mahmoud Abbas previously addressed the Greek Parliament in 2015—the same day that the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense unanimously approved the recognition of the State of Palestine by Greece. Famellos adds:
“Now, as the Palestinian people endure an unprecedented tragedy, Greece must demonstrate its solidarity in action and end the government’s complicit silence. For this reason, we formally request that an invitation be extended to President Mahmoud Abbas to visit the Hellenic Parliament and inform the Greek people about the current situation in Gaza.”
Appeal to Opposition Parties
Sokratis Famellos also addressed letters to opposition parties—PASOK, KKE, New Left, and Course of Freedom—inviting them to support the proposal and strengthen political pressure for international intervention.
Positive Response from KKE’s General Secretary D. Koutsoumbas
Famellos welcomed the KKE’s initiative for united opposition action and a joint appeal to the Greek Government. In his reply to General Secretary Dimitris Koutsoumbas, he wrote:
“I fully agree that we must take action regarding the extreme and unprecedented developments in Gaza. What is happening in Palestine is a genocide carried out by Israel, and no one can remain indifferent. While dozens of European countries are taking a stand and acting decisively, the Greek government’s stance is unacceptable and unworthy of the Greek people and our national values.”
Famellos stressed that the democratic opposition has a duty to defend “the value of life and peace,” calling for:
- Humanitarian aid
- Immediate ceasefire
- A just resolution to the Palestinian issue based on UN resolutions
He also reminded that SYRIZA–PA has consistently supported these goals, both institutionally and personally, including through a parliamentary question submitted on May 20, asking whether the government intends to proceed with the recognition of the Palestinian State, implementing Parliament’s unanimous 2015 decision under the SYRIZA government and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
Famellos concludes:
“We all have a responsibility to stand actively and consistently on the right side of history—on the side of peace, humanity, and solidarity.”
