Statement by EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and the LEFT on the situation in the Gaza Strip
The leaders of the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and the LEFT Political Groups in the European Parliament join their voices to show their concern on the situation in the Gaza Strip.
At the initiative of the leader of the Socialists and Democrats, Iratxe García, the chairs of the 5 political forces in the European Parliament signed today an statement that calls for immediate and effective international action to ease the intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza against the backdrop of the blockade enacted by the Israeli government.
Full statement below
We, the leaders of the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens, The Left Political Groups in the European Parliament, express our deepest concern over the threat of further military escalation in the Gaza Strip, and protest against all violations of international law in this conflict including all statements envisaging territorial or demographic changes in the area.
We call for immediate and effective international action to ease the intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza against the backdrop of the blockade enacted by the Israeli government that prevents humanitarian aid from reaching the civilian population living in inhumane conditions.
We reiterate our call for full respect for international humanitarian law, and condemn any act of politicisation or militarisation of humanitarian aid. We call for immediate action by the Israeli authorities, in cooperation with the United Nations and humanitarian organisations, to secure unrestricted access to essential humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian population in Gaza.
We call for an immediate and lasting cessation of violence. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining Israeli hostages. We condemn any statement proposing the forced displacement of people or territorial change, insisting on full respect for international law. We also call for an end to the impunity for the flagrant breaches of international humanitarian law in the hostilities.
We continue to call for proactive EU diplomatic efforts to work towards a permanent ceasefire.
We reaffirm the European Parliament’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders with Israel and Palestine as democratic and sovereign neighbours with Jerusalem as their shared capital - living side-by side in peace and security, as the only viable path to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
We reiterate that there can be no prospect for peace, security and stability for Gaza as well as for reconciliation between the Israeli and Palestinian population as long as Hamas plays a role in the Gaza strip.
The extent of destruction and human suffering in Gaza requires comprehensive international engagement by the EU and the international community. We therefore commend the work carried out by Arab countries for a credible reconstruction plan for Gaza, which can also serve as a platform for regional peace and security.
