Israel-Gaza: Greens/EFA Group call for an urgent ceasefire agreement

Today, the Greens/EFA Group are calling for an urgent ceasefire agreement in the conflict in Gaza to allow for humanitarian relief. The title put forward by the Greens/EFA Group for today’s plenary on the conflict is: “The attack on Israel, the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need for a ceasefire.”

Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments:

“One month ago, Hamas committed atrocious acts of terror in Israel, with the brutal killing, mutilation, sexualised violence, rape and torture of civilians. Hamas showed its true face: As a human hating terror organisation that only wants death and darkness. Hamas does not represent a struggle for freedom or the legitimate claim of Palestinians.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating badly. Civilians are dying. Children are dying. People are in need of everything: Food, water, medical supplies. The EU must do everything in its power to provide help to these civilians. And the Israeli government has a responsibility to adhere to international humanitarian law, avoid civilian deaths wherever possible. We must see restraint and precision in the Israeli government's response to terror, both to reach the hostages and to avoid civilian casualties.”

Jordi Solé MEP, First Vice-President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments:

“All parties must work for an urgent ceasefire and for the granting of access for humanitarian aid to be able to reach the people in Gaza. Hostages have to be unconditionally released. Palestinian civilians must not be collectively punished for the crimes of Hamas. 

“This conflict did not begin on October seventh and this conflict does not have a military solution. When this bloodshed is over, it’s time to seriously think again about how to build peace. 

“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has lingered on for far too long. Israel will never feel completely safe until a fair political solution is reached, and this requires an end to the occupation. And Palestinians will never achieve their legitimate rights without getting rid of extremist groups. This conflict calls on the EU to rise to the occasion as an actor for peace.”