Greens/EFA Group call on all actors to work towards a lasting peace
Today, the European Parliament held a debate in the presence of the Council and the Commission on “the despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel's right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.” MEPs will vote on a resolution on the subject tomorrow.
Philippe Lamberts MEP, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, comments:
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists against Israel and its people. We call on Hamas, PIJ and Hezbollah to immediately cease their attacks against Israel and for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. Our group stands in full solidarity with the civilian victims of this conflict.
“We call on all parties to immediately cease any violations of international humanitarian law and to seek a ceasefire agreement. Attacks targeting civilians, such as yesterday’s horrific strike on the hospital in Gaza, must end and the perpetrators must be held to account.
“Only a political solution can bring peace and security for people in the region. We urge all parties to come back to the negotiation table and work towards solving this long-standing conflict with a sustainable peace and a two-state solution.
“Palestinian civilians should not have to pay for Hamas’ war crimes. Hamas’s attacks are not grounds to withdraw or suspend European developmental and humanitarian aid. The use of indiscriminate violence and terrorism must end. The EU must use all means at its disposal to, in coordination with international partners, seek de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to this conflict.”
Jordi Solé MEP, First Vice-President of Greens/EFA Group, comments:
“The Greens/EFA Group strongly condemns the horrific attacks perpetrated by the terrorist organisation Hamas. Civilians should never be a target. Palestinian civilians should not pay for Hamas’ war crimes. Israel has the right to defend itself and should do so in strict compliance with international law.
“We are outraged and saddened by yesterday’s brutal strike on a hospital that killed and injured hundreds in Gaza. Such criminal acts have to be investigated and the perpetrators must be held accountable. The indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians and the immense suffering inflicted on the civilian population must end.
“Demanding respect for international humanitarian law does not weaken our condemnation of terror. It rather strengthens our commitment to a rules-based world, even in a world full of hatred.
“To ensure that this conflict does not further the already dire humanitarian situation for civilians, the Israeli government must restore access to food, water, electricity and fuel to Gaza. Israel and international actors must guarantee access to medical supplies and humanitarian aid. Humanitarian corridors need to be established and the right of safe return for Palestinians to Gaza must be guaranteed. The European Commission’s announcement to triple humanitarian aid to Gaza is very welcome and essential to save lives.
“This Parliament stands by the work of the International Criminal Court and the EU must play its role in ending this conflict and prosecuting those responsible. It’s essential that the EU, its institutions and the Member States coordinate their response and support peace efforts in any way possible.
“These are days of rage and sorrow, but sooner rather than later, those who reject violence and want peace will need to be rewarded. This is a conflict pending resolution for decades, and the only way out is through international law and a just peace. Terrorism is fought by genuinely and tirelessly working for peace.”
