Israeli Ambassador to Kosovo: How the UN portrays the war in Gaza is completely biased

Israel's Ambassador to Kosovo, Tamar Ziv, has said that the way the United Nations portrays the war in Gaza is completely distorting and biased. 

Ziv, in an interview with KTV's "Interaktiv", said that the UN is the most biased organization at this moment. 

Over 50 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza, according to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel's offensive in Gaza began after Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, during which 1200 people were killed and over 250 hostages were taken.

KOHA: Ambassador Ziv, welcome to our program.

Tamar Ziv: Thank you for inviting me.

KOHA: Let's first talk about bilateral relations between Kosovo and Israel. It has been four and a half years since Israel recognized Kosovo as an independent state. How would you assess Kosovo-Israel relations over these years?

Tamar Ziv: It is clear that our relationship has developed significantly. As you know, in February we established relations. In March Kosovo opened the Embassy in Jerusalem and since then we have worked, as your ambassador to Israel and I, to develop relations. I think we have signed a number of agreements between our countries. We have had a number of visits to both countries. The last agreement that we have signed is the visa waiver agreement, which in my opinion is extremely important, because it will allow visa-free travel to and from Israel.

"From May 5, Kosovars can travel to Israel without visas"

TIME: And this will start in May.

Tamar Ziv: It will start on May 5th and from May 5th Kosovars will be able to travel to Israel without a visa. But maybe it's good to point out that before you arrive you need to fill out the ETA form, which is accessible online and you need to fill out this form before you arrive.

KOHA: And this form is also being applied to other European countries, right?

Tamar Ziv: Yes, yes. For everyone entering Israel it is a new procedure worldwide, but like many countries, you have to fill out this form.

TIME: It seems to be a simple form.  

Tamar Ziv: It's just that people need to know how to do such a thing before they reach the designated place.

TIME: And what would you expect from this: more trade, more movement of people, more tourism?

Tamar Ziv: Of course, tourism. I think the big opportunity here is to have more tourism, to increase trade, to increase cultural relations, to increase academic exchanges. I think we will see more developments in all areas, thanks to the lifting of visas.

KOHA: We have seen some reports that trade between Israel and Kosovo has increased in recent years, e.g. compared to the early 2020s. What has influenced this to happen?

Tamar Ziv: Well, we are working well to bring our economies together. I think our economies do not recognize each other's potential. We do not know what each other's strengths are. Slowly over the years we have organized meetings of different delegations, held meetings with business people and different businesses. I am very happy to say that we already have imported Kosovo products in our market. For example in the food sector, juices, water, milk, dried fruits, mushrooms. All these products produced in Kosovo are imported to Israel, they have been very well received, they have been branded very well, with a high degree of branding, because they are natural products, they are without additives, and so on, and this has influenced their being very well received in our market.

KOHA: And what is the area that you see with the greatest potential for cooperation between the Republic of Kosovo and Israel?

Tamar Ziv: I think there are different areas. Agriculture is one of them. I think the next step in cooperation between the countries is to create cooperation in the field of agriculture, producing more with less work, which is characteristic of Israel in the agricultural sector. To produce more vegetables, with higher quality of vegetables and fruits using less resources, less water, less fertilizers and so on. So I think that sharing these experiences with Kosovo is very important. Also, the IT sector has a lot of potential. The wood industry also has potential. There are many ways of cooperation and I also see potential for Israeli investors to come and invest in Kosovo, and thanks to your proximity to Europe, the agreements you have with the European Union and so on.

KOHA: Is there anything new to report in this regard: any Israeli investment that may come in the near future?

Tamar Ziv: We are working to make this happen. And we also hope that this will happen.

KOHA: Ambassador Ziv, we have seen that the Government of Kosovo has publicly supported Israel after the Hamas attack in October 2023. But before we talk about this issue, how do you assess the way our politicians, government officials have approached Israel in these 4 and a half years?

Tamar Ziv: Well, as they say, friendship is tested when times are tough. The fact that you mentioned, state leaders, politicians, and people from all walks of life here in Kosovo have been very supportive of Israel after the horrific Hamas attack on October 7th that left more than 1,200 people dead in one day. So to receive such support and condemnation of such an act of terror, and warm words from so many people has given us strength, warmed our hearts, and is something that we will always remember.

KOHA: Let's talk now about the war in Gaza. In these 17 long months of war, more than 50 people have died. I remember speaking to you online in October 2023, as you are the non-resident ambassador of Israel to Kosovo, just 10 days after the Hamas attack, and then there were only a few thousand people killed but now we are talking about 50 people, most of whom were civilians—children and women. That is more than 2 percent of the Palestinian population before the war started. Does this seem like a painful reality, Ambassador Ziv?

Tamar Ziv: It is undoubtedly a painful reality and the fact that if there are civilians injured and killed in the war, of course we never intended to hurt any civilians. Unfortunately, Hamas is ruling the Gaza Strip and has absolutely no feelings for its own people. And the more people who are killed in Gaza, it serves their own purposes. And when we talk about the numbers, the Ministry of Health in Gaza does not distinguish between terrorists and civilians. Therefore, the numbers that you presented, half of them, if not more, are Hamas terrorists.

KOHA: But if we refer to the United Nations Office for Human Rights and an analysis they published in November 2024, 70 percent of the victims are women and children. So, this is what the United Nations is saying, not the Hamas government....

Tamar Ziv: The United Nations is the most biased organization in existence these days.

KOHA: But you are members of the United Nations as well...

Tamar Ziv: Yes, we are. Of course we are members, but that doesn't change the fact that the way the UN portrays the war in Gaza is completely distorting and biased.

KOHA: So what do your numbers say: how many civilians are killed among the 50 killed?

Tamar Ziv: Again, I'm saying that at least 50 percent of these numbers are terrorists. At least and maybe even more than 50 percent are terrorists. It's very difficult to know exactly, because I have to say that the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip is run by Hamas and they have a vested interest in portraying this in a certain way. So there are undoubtedly many civilians who have been killed who have unfortunately been killed or injured.

KOHA: Not many, but thousands of women and children and we are seeing this in the international media. And this is not only being said by the Authority in the Gaza Strip, but this is being said even by the closest allies.. So many international agencies and institutions are saying this....

Tamar Ziv: I agree. I agree that there are many civilians who have been injured during this conflict and it has never been our intention to hurt civilians. That is not our policy. But as I said, this is not a symmetrical war. We are facing a terrorist organization. A very vicious and cruel terrorist organization that deliberately attacked Israel with thousands of terrorists and that killed, raped, maimed, burned alive, families, children, the elderly. That took 250 people hostage and sent them to the Gaza Strip.  

KOHA: No one denies this.

Tamar Ziv: So what do you disagree with me about?

KOHA: Many say that your response is disproportionate to what happened...

Tamar Ziv: You know, when all those who say that the Israeli response is disproportionate, when they are at war with a terrorist organization, let's see what they have to say. It's very easy to live in Europe or some other country that is very safe and doesn't suffer from these disasters and be very critical of what is happening. But that doesn't seem to be the case. And yes, unfortunately, every child and woman that is injured, it's terrible. It's heartbreaking and my heart goes out to the people of Gaza, because they are suffering terribly because of Hamas. Hamas could have ended this war a long time ago.

KOHA: There was a ceasefire, by the way...

Tamar Ziv: He could have returned all the hostages and the ceasefire could have continued. But he didn't...

KOHA: The ceasefire was in two phases. Hamas handed over 25 hostages and 8 bodies that had been taken hostage. And what we saw next was a new wave of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed over 700 people in the last 10 days alone...

Tamar Ziv: Are you aware that in the two months of the ceasefire that was part of the hostage agreement, Hamas built up military capabilities, built booby traps on the roads and in buildings so that if the war started again, Gaza would explode again, and also did not adhere to the agreement regarding the hostages.  

KOHA: But Hamas started handing over the hostages with that deal that was facilitated by the US and Qatar...

Tamar Ziv: There were also suggestions to extend the ceasefire to exchange some hostages. There were two American proposals that were on the table at the time and Hamas rejected both proposals unfortunately. But on the other hand, building their war capabilities and taking advantage of civilians.

KOHA: But Ambassador Ziv, today when we see Gaza, it is a place of ruins. Everything has been destroyed, everything has been devastated. In the last 10 days, as I said, more than 700 people have been killed, most of them civilians. What is the solution to this military action of the Israeli Government because even the families of the hostages have criticized the actions of your government. You have internal protests in Israel on this issue.  

Tamar Ziv: Yes, because families want their loved ones back home, and this is the first priority in Israel to return the hostages.

TIME: And how are you going to do that with more bombing instead of trying to reach an agreement?

Tamar Ziv: You know, the deal was not broken by Israel. So the first thing to do is get Hamas to be willing to make another deal. Let's exchange hostages. Let's have another ceasefire. I'm sure we'll agree to that option. But that's not what Hamas is doing. They're getting into some kind of war. Let's get this done and get the hostages back. These people have suffered. Have you seen the interviews with the hostages who have come back from Gaza?

TIME: Yes, I've seen them...

Tamar Ziv: After 505, 510 or 520 days... They came back hungry, tortured, beaten. They've been in tunnels in the dark and alone for 400 or 500 days. I mean, enough.

Ziv says resumption of attacks on Gaza aimed at putting pressure on Hamas

KOHA: I also have to ask you about the criticism that Israel is receiving from its allies. As an example, we have seen the British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, who recently said that the closure of humanitarian corridors, which is currently in force, is fundamentally causing a major humanitarian issue and is not in compliance with international law. How would you respond to this?

Tamar Ziv: First of all, I would like to say that in the two months of the ceasefire, over 25 trucks of humanitarian aid have entered Gaza on a daily basis. In Gaza, there are currently large quantities of goods that they need for at least one or two months in advance.

TIME: What is the purpose of this?

Tamar Ziv: The goal is to try to pressure Hamas to reach a hostage agreement. We want to close this issue. We want the hostages back, these people are dying every day they are there. And their return will allow the continuation of aid and also the transition to the third phase, which is the rehabilitation of Gaza.

KOHA: Is it the distance we have from here and maybe we can't understand it, but how can the hostages be returned while you are bombing? It was reported that some of these hostages may have been killed by the bombing. We see Gaza that has been reduced to rubble. How can you really manage the return of the hostages, which is a humanitarian issue as well? How?

Tamar Ziv: Unfortunately, Hamas has not adhered to the ceasefire. Unfortunately, they did not return all those who were supposed to return. We are interested in closing this saga. Why are they so stubborn not to return them now? Why aren't they saying okay, let's go to another agreement, take the hostages and move on. But, they are not saying that.

KOHA: They are blaming you for being the ones who broke the ceasefire. You can see that, especially with the Europeans, because you are in line with the Americans these days, but the Europeans have criticized your recent bombings.

Tamar Ziv: As I said, some things this way and some that way. We are in line with the US. The US understands why we decided to resume fighting in Gaza... Unfortunately - I think Steve Witkoff was directly involved in the negotiations - and saw that nothing came of it. Everyone sees it from their perspective, but unfortunately it is not something we are enjoying doing. And of course I hope that we can solve all the issues related to Gaza. The most important thing is that Hamas does not remain the ruler in Gaza. Because if it rules in Gaza, then it will happen again, because they have not changed their ideology, their mind. For them they live by death. They do not live by life...

KOHA: Ambassador Ziv, if you have conducted military operations in 17 months that have killed over 50 people, 70 percent of them, as the UN agency says, are civilians. Do you think that even after Hamas there will be no room for other people to radicalize, because when you kill entire families, children, there will be no will for lasting peace. Is that a universal understanding of conflict, or not?

Tamar Ziv: When Hamas attacked Israel, it massacred many people in settlements, communities that are close to the Gaza Strip. Many of these people believed in peace, believed in coexistence, people who personally helped people in Gaza get medical treatment in Israel and created different programs for coexistence, for peace and things like that. They were massacred. On the Israeli side, as well, today there is no faith that on the other side of the border in Gaza we will ever see people who are peace-loving, who want peace. I agree, both sides are suffering, they have trauma now and if we want to coexist then both sides need to be educated for peace, they need to be educated for coexistence. 

KOHA: Your government said, after October 7th, that in a few weeks or months, you would be able to resolve all the issues. But 17 months have passed now. 

Tamar Ziv: Unfortunately. 

KOHA: ...And you are unable to cripple Hamas. How is that possible, considering how many sophisticated weapons you have, the sophisticated military force you have. You are unable to cripple a guerrilla force, which is supported by Iran, but still it is not that powerful if you compare it to you..

Tamar Ziv: These guerrillas have a tactic, to infiltrate the civilian population. This is part of their tactic. Otherwise, in the two months of the ceasefire, Hamas operatives have taken off their uniforms and hidden inside the humanitarian zones where most of the civilians are. It is very difficult to wage war with a terrorist organization that is hiding. One day it wears uniforms and the next day it is in civilian clothes. 

KOHA: It's not like they escaped this... You bombed even when civilians were around...

Tamar Ziv: Jo.

KOHA: We recently saw in the hospital, where because of a Hamas leader...

Tamar Ziv: These hospitals have not served as hospitals for a long time, and according to international law, if a building, like a hospital for example, is used for terror or fighting, it is no longer protected as a hospital because it no longer serves as a hospital. Unfortunately, these buildings no longer serve as hospitals, because Hamas took advantage of them. And, frankly, all the hospitals in Gaza were taken over by Hamas, they served as Hamas headquarters, because they knew that it is very difficult to hit those hospitals. This is all part of their planning, part of their way of working. They use schools, mosques, they took advantage of most of the UNRWA infrastructure, they set up headquarters or operating centers from these places.

KOHA: What many are trying to understand is what this total war will ultimately solve? How do you imagine peace in these circumstances? After all, we have seen and will talk a little later about some of President Trump's ideas. But as an Israeli diplomat, Israel's ambassador to Kosovo, how can you really imagine peace in Israel and Gaza?

Tamar Ziv: You know, there is a lesson that we have learned from October 7th, that Israel must protect all borders. On the other hand, it must try to create a situation where coexistence is possible on both sides of the border. Gaza needs a lot of help from the international community, donations, investments from moderate Arab countries, the international community, the UN. But the fundamental thing is to teach the children there not to immerse themselves in death and hatred...Children must be educated about life and livelihood and positive things. 

KOHA: What if their experience is so traumatic that it is no longer a matter of lessons in schools?

Tamar Ziv: Unfortunately, we have experienced the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis. I choose life. It is a choice you can make. I suggest to the people in Gaza that if they want to stop this terrible suffering that they are suffering, they should choose life over death. And if they are not going to be managed and manipulated by a terrorist organization that sanctifies death.

KOHA: Choosing life, the idea is that they should flee Gaza. President Trump said he would take ownership of that land, and there are plans to build resorts there. What is your stance on this? How do you see this, telling people who were born there, where their ancestors lived, to leave for Jordan, Egypt or somewhere else, because...

Tamar Ziv: This is not an idea we came up with. 

KOHA: But you supported it, your prime minister supported this idea.

Tamar Ziv: If people in Gaza choose to go and live in other countries, hoping that the Gaza Strip will be rebuilt, then that is their choice. We are not expelling anyone. We are not inside Gaza at the moment.

KOHA: In fact, your government cabinet recently approved a proposal to help Palestinians fleeing Gaza. 

Tamar Ziv: If they decide to leave. It's not something we should force them to do.

KOHA: But you're offering this. What's the point? It's very contradictory.

Tamar Ziv: I think there are a lot of people who are suffering there, I think you need to rebuild the Gaza Strip. If people find countries that want to accept them for this temporary transitional period, until Gaza is rehabilitated, then fine. Unfortunately, there are so many people who have been displaced from Syria and other countries in conflict and are in Europe right now. If their countries are rehabilitated, there are big changes like in Syria for example, then hopefully hundreds of thousands of refugees will return from the countries where they are living now. 

KOHA: Do you really believe in the two-state solution, which has enjoyed support in the past as an option. We see even among the leadership in Israel, it is not strongly discussed as an option. Do you believe in the two-state solution? 

Tamar Ziv: Not at the moment. 

KOHA: That Israel and Palestine live as neighbors, as independent states?

Tamar Ziv: I think we should live as neighbors, in coexistence. Talking about two states is a bit hasty at the moment.

TIME: Why?

Tamar Ziv: Because of everything we've been through.

KOHA: Even after everything is done, even if Hamas is no longer...

Tamar Ziv: If Hamas doesn't exist, doesn't rule the Gaza Strip, if terrorist organizations don't end up where the Palestinians are, then we can start talking about other ideas. But as long as that's not the case, why do you want to create a two-state solution? They had their own place in Gaza. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Since 2005 for 20 years they were independent and chose to create a terrorist entity with 500 kilometers of underground tunnels, weapons and so on.

KOHA: What I understand is that you intend to stay there with the occupying forces, as you are also known by other countries as an occupying force...

Tamar Ziv: That's not what I said. 

KOHA: Maintaining control, what does it mean? 

Tamar Ziv: You can exercise control from your border, from your side. 

TIME: You have "boots on the ground". 

Tamar Ziv: For now, after the fighting has resumed. We withdrew when we had a ceasefire agreement. If we reach a ceasefire agreement, and move to the next phase of Gaza's rehabilitation, then we will not have 'boots on the ground' in Gaza. 

TIME: In terms of the timeline, how long do you think it will take, to the momentum where we can see the potential for peace.

Tamar Ziv: From my perspective, I wish it would come tomorrow morning. I wish we could live in peace starting tomorrow morning. 

TIME: This is it? 

Tamar Ziv: I don't know....I would like to know that.

TIME: Thank you for your time, Ambassador Ziv!

Tamar Ziv: Thank you very much!