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Polish FM urges accountability for Israel’s religious crimes, human rights abuses

April 21, 2026

On April 20, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski called for “accountability” for the multitude of war crimes and human rights abuses committed by Israeli soldiers, citing their actions against Palestinian civilians, in remarks posted on social media.

“Israeli soldiers themselves admit to war crimes. They killed not only Palestinian civilians but even their own hostages,” Sikorski said.

Dobrze, że minister Sa'ar szybko przeprosił, było za co.
Należy ukarać tego żołnierza ale i wyciągnąć wnioski wobec sposobu w jaki są formowani.
Żołnierze IDF sami przyznają się do zbrodni wojennych. Zabijali nie tylko cywilnych Palestyńczyków ale nawet własnych zakładników. https://t.co/rhioH8XPMT

— Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) April 20, 2026

He added that it was “good that [Israeli Foreign] Minister [Gideon] Saar quickly apologized” after an Israeli soldier desecrated a crucifix of Jesus Christ in a southern Lebanese village under occupation, stressing that “there was something to apologize for.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said, “We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.”

An image approvingly shared by an Israeli soldier shows a statue of Jesus Christ in south Lebanon being struck with a mallet by a member of the Israeli occupation forces. pic.twitter.com/EUm5VKMm3S

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) April 19, 2026

Sikorski emphasized that the soldier should face punishment and highlighted the need for broader lessons on military conduct and training.

Last week, Polish lawmaker Konrad Berkowicz drew sharp attention in parliament after displaying an Israeli flag altered with a swastika during a speech in the Sejm, Poland’s lower house.

He used the gesture to denounce Israel’s atrocities, siege, and genocide in Gaza and called for Warsaw to sever ties with Israel.

Berkowicz later said he had been “punished” by parliament speaker Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, who imposed a financial penalty and filed a request with prosecutors following the speech.

“I have just been punished … for my recent speech on the genocide being carried out by Israel,” he wrote on X, adding that he would challenge the move and insisting that “No repression from state authorities will shut my mouth.”

Polish far-right MP Konrad Berkowicz sparks outrage after displaying an Israeli flag with a swastika in parliament, calling Israel the “new Third Reich” over Gaza. pic.twitter.com/ACvD1yv4bM

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 15, 2026

Lawmakers in other European bodies have recently escalated their stances against Israel, with some calling it a “terrorist state.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on 19 April that Madrid will formally propose suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement, arguing that “a government that violates international law … cannot be our partner.”

The move coincides with a European Citizens’ Initiative advocating for the same suspension, which has collected over one million signatures in only three months, making it the fastest initiative to reach that milestone since the mechanism was established.

Organized by the European Left Alliance, the campaign cites Israel’s violations of international law, human rights, and the genocide clause embedded in the agreement, which has governed EU-Israel trade and cooperation since 2000.

Having met the required signatures across more than the minimum seven EU member states, the European Commission is now obligated to formally review the proposal, with organizers pressing toward 1.5 million signatures to further intensify pressure on EU institutions.