Today the leader of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Iratxe García, called for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas during its despicable terrorist attacks, and for the Israeli government to respect civilian lives in Gaza.
During the plenary debate of the Parliament in Strasbourg, Iratxe García said:
“We want to see our Union take a leadership role and undertake a diplomatic offensive, leading international mediation to achieve a ceasefire and prevent any regional spillover, bringing Israeli and European hostages home, saving Palestinians who are wounded in crowded hospitals without water or electricity, and open a humanitarian corridor with Egypt.”
“The heinous attack by Hamas unleashed a wave of violence that is hitting both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, and it is reinforcing the most radical positions, the positions of those who do not believe in peace.”
To the Israeli hostages´ relatives following the debate from tribune of the hemicycle, she said:
“We feel your pain, the pain of all the Israeli people. We will not rest until the hostages are safe back home."
Iratxe García added:
"And the best way to help Israel is to keep our unbreakable commitment to a long-lasting peace. The Palestinian people have their right to their own state, a Palestinian state that can live in peace with Israel."
To Parliament President Roberta Metsola and to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she asked whether during their trip to Tel Aviv they reminded Mr. Netanyahu “that a crime cannot be responded with more crimes”.
“At a time when the lives of millions of human beings are in danger, the European Union cannot make any more mistakes."
