One year after the 7th of October attacks

A terrible year of devastation.
for civilian life.
for human rights.
for international law. 
for humanitarianism. 
for diplomacy. 
for a two-state solution.
for peace.  

One year ago, on the 7th of October, the world witnessed a horrific atrocity as Hamas launched brutal antisemitic terrorist attacks in Israel, with hundreds of innocent civilians killed and many others kidnapped, some never to return home. This came on top of continuous and ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas on Israeli territory. 

States clearly have the right to self-defense. Yet the disproportionate and unacceptable response from Netanyahu's far right government has led to immense loss of life in Gaza. Tens of thousands of innocent people killed in bombings, mass displacement, the starvation of Palestinians - the basic running of society in Gaza has ground to a halt. None of this has led us any closer to a long-term solution to this decades old conflict. 

Fear of escalation has only been heightened in recent weeks by the missile strikes and attacks by Israel in Lebanon, and the missile strikes by Iran against Israel, and attacks on Israeli streets. This only worsens the situation for ordinary people, many of whom are displaced in the south of Lebanon and the north of Israel. This risks spiraling into an all-out regional conflict, while conditions in Gaza continue to be dire. A year of ceasefire efforts have failed, and decades of unresolved peace efforts are gathering dust. How does this end? 

We continue our call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the free-flow of much needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

In Israel, mass demonstrations are also calling for an end to the war and the release of hostages so they can return home safely. People in Israel are demanding real leadership; those who can restart the journey to long-lasting peace. The cycle of violence must be broken, the path to healing must begin. Netanyahu must heed these calls, stop blocking peace talks and using the war as a pretext to avoid his own corruption trials and new elections. 

Today, we mourn the victims of this unending horror, and we stand with those who seek a genuine path to peace. For a future where dialogue prevails over violence, where every child can dream without fear, where the dignity and rights of all individuals are respected.

European leaders must do everything in their power to support peace, protect international law, and the right to humanitarian aid and justice. We must demand a permanent ceasefire, the end of terror and a two-state solution. This catastrophic year, and decades of conflict and crisis, must end with peace as the ultimate place to call home. 

Bas Eickhout
Terry Reintke
Co-Presidents, Green/EFA Group European Parliament