H.E. Roey Gilad, Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, has said that while recovery from the recent Israel-Hamas conflict will be a prolonged and painful process, Israel will emerge stronger, stable, and prosperous.
He made these remarks during a press conference held in Accra, where he reflected on the aftermath of the war and outlined Israel’s current geopolitical stance.
Addressing the challenges faced since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, H.E. Gilad described the incident as a devastating blow to Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostages.
“A part of our body was injured on the 7th of October, and it will take us a long time to heal. The process is going to be long and painful,” he stated.
However, he assured that Israel’s resilience and strength would ensure it recovers fully.
Using a metaphor, the Ambassador compared Israel to a tree with strong roots. “The Israeli tree is strong. Some of the branches have been broken, but the roots and the trunk are still strong,” he said, expressing optimism about Israel’s ability to rebuild and thrive.
The Ambassador highlighted Israel’s progress in reducing Hamas’s military capacity.
“If we were down on the 7th of October 2023, I believe now we are having the upper hand… Hamas is still on the ground, but we believe their ability to act as an army of terror is no longer there,” he noted.
He also emphasized Israel’s commitment to securing the release of hostages and ensuring that future threats from Gaza are eliminated.
Recent ceasefire agreements have led to the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, which he described as a “painful trade,” as many of the released prisoners had been convicted of severe crimes.
H.E. Gilad identified Iran as a key influencer behind the Hamas attack, accusing it of destabilizing the Middle East. However, he noted that Iran and its allied militias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen have been significantly weakened.
“From being a factor that destabilized the Middle East, Iran is now on the defense,” he remarked.
On Lebanon, the Ambassador said the conflict provided an opportunity for the country to reclaim its sovereignty from Hezbollah. He praised the efforts of the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers, including a Ghanaian regiment, in maintaining stability along the border.
Mr. Gilad reiterated the strong bond between Israel and Ghana, highlighting their historical ties dating back to before Ghana’s independence in 1957.
He expressed hope for enhanced cooperation under Ghana’s new administration and anticipated improved diplomatic alignment in international forums.
The Ambassador ended on a hopeful note, reaffirming Israel’s pursuit of peace while emphasizing the need for strength and deterrence in the face of challenges.
“History has taught us to be cautious. He who wants peace must prepare for war,” he concluded.
