European Parliament: “Permanent ceasefire in Gaza and full, rapid, safe, humanitarian access”

A permanent ceasefire; renewed efforts towards a political solution; the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and the dismantling of the terrorist organisation Hamas – these are the demands put forward by the European Parliament in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a detailed resolution adopted today (by 312 votes in favour, 131 against and 72 abstentions), MEPs condemn “the despicable terrorist attacks committed by Hamas” “in the strongest possible terms” while also denouncing “the disproportionate Israeli military response”, which has caused an unprecedented civilian death toll. If, on the one hand, Israel has the right to defend itself within the limits of international law, on the other hand, all parties in the conflict must distinguish between combatants and civilians. The text calls for urgent, full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to the entire Gaza Strip and demands the immediate restoration of vital infrastructure. According to MEPs, a European initiative should relaunch the two-state solution and call for an end to the occupation of the Palestinian territories: “settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under international law”, Parliament’s statement reads. MEPs also condemn extremist settler violence against Palestinians and reiterate the EU’s support for the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice. The taking of hostages and deliberate attacks on civilians are serious violations of international law: those responsible for terrorist acts and for violations of international law must be held to account.
Sarah Numico