By Beatrice Asamani Savage
Accra, Jan. 9, GNA – Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel, has reiterated her nation’s determination to secure its survival in the face of escalating threats in the Middle Eastern region.
Israel, she vowed, would bring back hostages held by Hamas, since the October 7 attack, and counter the growing menace of Islamic fundamentalism.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Israeli Ambassador in Accra, Roey Gilad, with his wife, Nitza, Mrs Haskel shared harrowing accounts of the incident, describing it as “the darkest day in Israel’s history.”
The attack claimed more 1200 lives, while more than 250 people, including children, women, and the elderly, were abducted.
“Our mission is clear: to ensure the safety and security of our people and to bring our loved ones back home from the dungeons of torture,” she stated passionately.
The Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted the inhumane treatment endured by the hostages, including physical and psychological abuse, and described Israel’s ongoing military operations as a fight for survival and justice.
Mrs Haskel warned that the threat posed by Islamic fundamentalism, particularly, from Iran and its proxies, extended beyond Israel, posing a significant danger to global peace and stability.
“This war is not just against Hamas; it is a broader battle against Iran, which funds and arms groups like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other militias in Iraq and Syria,” she stated.
She recounted the extensive network of sponsored attacks on Israel, noting that the country was facing threats on six fronts, including missile attacks from Yemen and Lebanon.
She accused Iran of implementing a strategy to infiltrate unstable regions, destabilise governments, and create militant groups to extend its influence.
“This threat is not confined to the Middle East—it is present in Africa, South America, and beyond,” she said, emphasising the need for global cooperation to combat the menace.
The 40-year-old legislator shared a deeply personal account of how the crisis had affected her family, including her young daughters.
“My two-and-a-half-year-old twins have had to run to shelters at 2 a.m. to escape missiles. Their games now involve pretending to take their dolls to safety,” she said, underscoring the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
She described the October 7 attack as a calculated act of terror designed to break the spirit of Israelis through fear and atrocities.
“We will not back down until we restore safety and security to our children and ensure that such horrors never happen again,” she affirmed.
Mrs Haskel stressed that Israel’s fight against fundamentalism was also a defense of global values such as freedom, democracy, and stability.
She urged the international community, including African nations, to recognise and confront the growing influence of terror organisations, which she said, was controlling drug and weapons trafficking routes, and was expanding its reach into Africa.
“This is a fight we must face together. The threat of Islamic extremism knows no borders and affects all nations,” she said, adding that Israel remained committed to working with allies to ensure regional and global security.
Reflecting on the role of faith and shared values in confronting challenges, she cited biblical prophecies from the book of Habakkuk, that she believed resonated with Israel’s current struggles. She encouraged a collective commitment to justice and resilience.
“We are living through historical times, but with unity, prayer, and determination, we will overcome these challenges,” she said.
The reception, facilitated by the Ghana-Israeli Council, was attended by diplomats, government officials, and members of Ghana’s Israeli community.
Mrs Haskel led the Israeli delegation to the investiture of President John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday, January 7.
She left Accra on Wednesday night, having held discussions with Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the media, some members of the faith community, among others.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to face widespread anti humanitarian criticism over its retaliatory attacks to destroy Hamas’ ability to repeat the attack on the Jewish state.
According to the United Nations, the operations have led to the killing of more than 45,000 people in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas.
Many thousands have been injured, while a large population of internally displaced persons lack basic amenities, including food.
Israel has defended its position, saying it feels unfairly targeted by the world body, which does not emphasise with the existential threat it has faced for decades in the region.
GNA