Parliament has issued a resolution condemning the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel. The resolution also expresses concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The resolution was adopted on Thursday with 500 votes in favour, 21 against, and 24 abstentions.
MEPs have strongly condemned the brutal attacks and supported Israel and its people. The resolution calls for the immediate release of all hostages kidnapped by Hamas and recognises Israel’s right to self-defence under international law. However, the text states that any actions by Israel must strictly comply with international humanitarian law.
Parliament has expressed concern that the current situation, whereby Hamas has attacked Israel and Israel has responded, can potentially escalate the violence in the region. As a result, MEPs are urging for a “humanitarian pause” in hostilities.
MEPs emphasised that attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, including UN workers, medical workers, and journalists, severely violates international law. The resolution also mourns the loss of innocent lives and those injured in the recent explosion at the Al Ahli Episcopal Hospital in Gaza. The MEPs have called for an independent investigation under international law to determine if this was a deliberate attack and constitutes a war crime. If so, the resolution calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip deeply concerns MEPs
The deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip is causing serious concern. It’s important to differentiate between the Palestinian people, their legitimate aspirations, and the Hamas terrorist group. MEPs are urging the international community to continue and increase its humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in the area. They also call on Egypt and Israel to cooperate with the international community to establish humanitarian corridors to the Gaza Strip.
Investigation into the role of countries such as Iran, Qatar and Russia
The resolution strongly condemns Iran’s support for Hamas and other terrorist groups operating in the Gaza Strip. MEPs have again called for including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah on the EU list of terrorist groups. They have also demanded that investigations be conducted into the financing and support of terrorism in the region by Iran, Qatar, Russia, and other countries. Furthermore, they have denounced the rocket attacks from Lebanon and Syria into Israel and have called for de-escalating tensions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
EU financial assistance to Palestine
MEPs have strongly supported increasing humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip. They have also called on the European Commission to comprehensively review all EU financial assistance provided to Palestine and the surrounding region. This review aims to ensure that no EU funds are used to finance terrorism, either directly or indirectly. At the same time, MEPs emphasise that the EU budget should continue to promote peace and stability in the area.
Parliament is firmly behind a negotiated two-state solution
The resolution stresses the need to relaunch the peace-process immediately. The resolution reiterates its unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution for Israel and Palestine based on the 1967 lines with two sovereign, democratic states living side by side in peace and guaranteed security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
Concerns over rising anti-Semitism
The Parliament has expressed its concern regarding the rise in anti-Semitic speech, rallies, and attacks that have been directed towards Jews since the beginning of the Hamas terrorist attacks. The Parliament has called upon the European Commission and all EU countries to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Jewish citizens.
