Europe's Concern Over New Wave of Migrants Due to Israel-Hamas War

The Greek Minister of Migration states that the European Union faces the risk of a sudden influx of migrants fleeing the Israel-Hamas war, and member countries must address this issue with greater vigilance and solidarity. Dimitris Kairidis, the Greek Minister of Migration, said in an interview with Reuters on Monday, November 1, 'Whenever instability spreads in the Middle East, especially if it involves populous countries like Egypt, there is a risk of a migrant surge.' Kairidis stated, 'We in the European Union must be vigilant and united, better protect our borders, combat the criminal networks of traffickers, and repatriate those who do not seek asylum.' During the migration crisis to Europe in 2015, the influx of over a million people—mainly Syrian refugees—who entered Greece from Turkey put immense pressure on the country's security and welfare networks and compelled EU governments to make extensive efforts to manage the situation of refugees. Following the signing of an agreement in October regarding the handling of illegal migrants during times of high influx, the Union is now taking steps to reform immigration laws ahead of next year's general elections. Kairidis, who traveled to Ankara on Monday to discuss ways to reduce entry with his Turkish counterpart, called for a 'new pact' and the adoption of a 'unified crisis mechanism.' The Greek Minister of Migration noted that following deadly attacks in Belgium and France, Greece is 'at the forefront' of EU discussions for the expulsion and repatriation of more individuals from Europe. His reference was to the murder of two Swedish football fans in Brussels by a Tunisian gunman who had illegally resided in Belgium after his asylum request was denied. This man had entered Europe in 2011 via the Italian island of Lampedusa. Kairidis remarked, 'Currently, there is an unacceptable situation in Europe where, regardless of whether an asylum request is approved or denied, the individual can remain in Europe. We spend vast amounts of money and resources evaluating these programs... but in the end, all of this is mocked.' He called for a joint European mechanism for the repatriation of migrants, stating, 'Only a united Europe can compel countries of origin to take back their citizens with a carrot-and-stick policy. Greece or Belgium or other countries cannot do this alone.' During the attack on October 7 by Hamas militants, a group supported by the Islamic Republic, at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel, and over 200 Israeli civilians, military personnel, and foreign nationals were taken hostage by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, with little information available about their status. In response to this attack, Israel launched extensive airstrikes against Hamas positions in Gaza and simultaneously warned more than half of the 2 million residents of Gaza to evacuate northern Gaza. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad are listed as terrorist organizations by the United States. The EU meeting on refugees comes ahead of elections in Germany and Italy, where EU members reached an agreement on 'crisis management of refugees.' Italy rescued dozens of migrants from capsized boats. Reports from two weeks of war indicate that Israel claims 450 rockets fired by Palestinian militants have fallen within Gaza. A ship carrying refugees sank in Greece, with dozens missing. The number of casualties from the sinking of a migrant boat to Europe has increased, with 59 dead, including 12 children. The Israel-Hamas war continues from land and air, with '436 Palestinians' killed within 24 hours. Borrell called for a ceasefire and more humanitarian aid to Gaza. AP's image analysis also confirmed that the cause of the explosion at the Gaza hospital was 'likely' a rocket fired from Gaza. Hamas rockets were fired at 10 cities in central and southern Israel.