Croatian President Refuses to Meet Israeli FM Over Gaza Genocide
Milanovic criticized PM Andrej Plenkovic, Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman, and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic for hosting Saar while Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues
Croatia, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Croatian President Zoran Milanovic has refused to meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar during his official visit to Zagreb, denouncing the meeting as "unacceptable" amid what he described as “Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, September 8, Milanovic criticized Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman, and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic for hosting Saar while Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues.
Condemnation of Israeli Policies
“At a time when the Israeli government and army are expelling the entire population of Gaza City and announcing an attack on that city of one million inhabitants, meeting with a member of that same government is actually supporting Israel’s policy of violence, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes,” Milanovic declared.
He further criticized Zagreb’s stance, saying that instead of initiating the process of recognizing a Palestinian state as a step toward lasting peace, the Croatian leadership is supporting Israeli officials who “unequivocally stand behind the policy of war and violence.”
Milanovic expressed outrage over Saar’s remarks comparing Croatia’s Homeland War to Israeli aggression on Gaza, calling it offensive to Croatia and its war victims.
Political and Public Opposition
Members of Croatia’s opposition Mozemo! (We Can!) party also denounced Saar’s visit. MP Sandra Bencic said, “With today’s act, Andrej Plenkovic has aligned his government with that of Benjamin Netanyahu, providing an alibi for the deliberate starvation of civilians and children in Gaza.
The Croatian people will never support such actions.”
Protests erupted in Zagreb as citizens and activists gathered to condemn Israel’s war on Gaza and oppose the Israeli minister’s presence.
Context: Gaza Under Siege
Milanovic’s refusal comes amid Israel’s full-scale ground invasion of Gaza City launched on August 8, 2025. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s aggression across the Gaza Strip has killed at least 64,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 163,000 others, according to local authorities.
His stance stands in sharp contrast to many European leaders who continue to extend diplomatic cover to the Israeli government despite its ongoing military operations and blockade. (PW)