In a shocking turn of events, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, a former envoy of the European Union (EU) to Gaza, is facing severe criticism for allegedly empowering Hamas by conducting a paragliding flight in Gaza months before a terror attack. The New York Post reported that von Burgsdorff, a German diplomat, conducted what he termed as "the first Gaza paragliding flight in history" in July. His video shows him soaring over Gaza's coast, passionately shouting, "Free Palestine!"

The video resurfaced recently, causing a heated debate surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Von Burgsdorff can be heard encouraging Palestinians by saying, "Once you're free, you can do exactly the same thing." However, instead of recreational paragliding as von Burgsdorff advocated, Hamas militants utilized paragliders in a deadly attack on October 7, resulting in the loss of more than 1,400 lives.

Israel, in response to the attack, declared war on Hamas and launched devastating airstrikes on Gaza. Von Burgsdorff, not wavering in his stance, condemned Israel for its offensive actions by claiming that it "doesn't matter what Hamas did." He asserted in a recent radio interview that Israel should not have the carte blanche to flatten Gaza, regardless of the acts committed against Israelis.

The paragliding spectacle was harshly criticized by the Israeli foreign ministry at the time, branding it as "provocative" propaganda that only served to empower Hamas. The ministry issued a statement expressing disappointment, stating that von Burgsdorff had forgotten his role as a representative of the European Union and its member states. They accused him of representing, instead, the Palestinian narrative and becoming a propaganda tool of the terrorist organizations controlling Gaza.

In a Reuters report, a representative for the EU delegation to the Palestinians confirmed that the paraglider used in the stunt belonged to von Burgsdorff. Although he departed from his post in Gaza in August, von Burgsdorff continued to express opposition to Israel's actions in the Palestinian territory, particularly regarding its airstrikes.

During the radio interview, von Burgsdorff voiced his concerns about the high casualties among the Palestinian population in Gaza due to Israel's use of deadly force. He deemed Israel's threats to bomb humanitarian corridors and shipments as potential war crimes.

It is notable that, in his remarks, von Burgsdorff did not condemn the attack carried out by Hamas targeting innocent civilians, including women and children. The attack also involved the kidnapping of more than 200 individuals, including at least a dozen Americans.

The controversy surrounding von Burgsdorff's actions raises further questions about the role of diplomats and their responsibilities in conflict-ridden regions. As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, the global community remains divided on the appropriate response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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