Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski addressed a deadly attack in the Gaza Strip during a briefing on Polish Radio 3. He stated that if the Israeli press reports are accurate, Israel owes the families of the volunteers an apology and compensation. Sikorski spoke while participating in a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels and noted that Poland intends to identify regional candidates for senior roles in NATO, the European Union, and the United Nations.
Sikorski added that the Israeli side promised a thorough inquiry and cooperation with the Polish prosecutor’s office to determine the circumstances of the attack, which also claimed the life of a Polish volunteer.
He suggested that if the reports in the Israeli press are confirmed and the attack was intended because a terrorist might be present, it would be ethically unacceptable to sacrifice seven civilians to neutralize one non-direct threat. He criticized Israel’s weapons policy and recalled that hostages have previously been harmed by Israeli actions.
“If the Israeli reports prove true, then Israel owes the families of these volunteers an apology and compensation,” Sikorski stated.
The Polish diplomacy chief also remarked on the arrival of the Israeli ambassador to Poland, Yakov Livny, and commented on his statements via the X platform. He noted criticism from various quarters in Poland about Israel and highlighted concerns raised by political figures about alleged war crimes and pressure on humanitarian groups.
Seeking regional candidates for top posts
At the NATO ministers meeting, Sikorski was asked about Poland backing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for NATO Secretary General. He replied that while Poland admires Rutte, the region remains underrepresented in NATO, the EU, and the UN, and should be considered for high-ranking positions across these organizations.
In addition to Rutte, Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania, also indicated willingness to pursue the NATO leadership role. Sikorski affirmed his belief that regional representation should be strengthened.
More moderation and accountability
During the third program of Polish Radio, Sikorski announced his expectation of full cooperation from Israel with the Polish justice system. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would support the process, with consular services and embassies available to assist the investigation. He added that Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz had promised an independent inquiry.
Addressing allegations that a humanitarian convoy was attacked to target a terrorist, Sikorski emphasized that such an act would violate ethical standards and raise serious concerns. He reiterated that if a willingness existed to sacrifice seven civilians to kill one terrorist, Israel should apologize and compensate the victims’ families.
He also referred to the Israeli ambassador’s comments that extremists in Poland accused Israel of deliberate murder and that some Polish leaders had criticized Israel’s actions. Sikorski pointed out that this rhetoric risks inflaming anti-Semitism and stressed that Poland should maintain constructive relations with Israel while seeking accountability and factual clarity.
Sikorski noted that Poland does not currently have an ambassador to Israel but has a candidate in mind, whose name he preferred to keep private pending official government confirmation. He suggested that some inflammatory statements could hinder normal interstate relations, especially while Polish citizens and hostages remain affected by regional tensions.
He stressed the importance of helping Polish citizens abroad and maintaining open diplomatic channels, even amid disagreements. He also warned against equating all criticism with anti-Semitism and urged careful, fact-based responses from diplomatic officials.
On the broader relationship with Israel, Sikorski acknowledged it is not easy. He warned against drastic actions such as expelling the ambassador, explaining that steady, principled engagement is essential for safeguarding Polish interests and protecting its citizens who require assistance in the region.
Regarding the possibility of a NATO mission in support of Ukraine, Sikorski described a potential non-military role focused on training and logistics, leveraging Alliance capabilities to bolster Ukraine’s defense. He cautioned against misinterpretation by Russia that NATO is escalating directly, and stressed that any such mission would be designed to assist Ukraine rather than open a new front for NATO countries.
On the strategic balance in the region, Sikorski suggested that Ukraine has not exhausted its resolve and that the final outcome will depend largely on the actions taken by the international community. He hinted that past tensions with Israel highlighted broader questions about leadership and responsibility, and he called for measured, evidence-based diplomacy in all discussions moving forward.
The remarks closed with a reminder that the policy approach must balance defending democratic values with practical, stable international relations. Diplomats continue to monitor developments closely as the situation evolves and as allied discussions proceed in Brussels.