European Parliament Emphasizes Continuous Support for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Russian War

The European Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, with a focus on increasing Ukraine's security and ensuring the country's victory. The parliament's emphasis on Ukraine's security is in line with the statement made by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said "Anyone who helps Ukraine helps themselves." This emphasis is crucial, as several parliament members stressed that increasing Ukraine's security would not only benefit Ukraine but also Europe as a whole. Furthermore, the parliament's attention to the ongoing war in Gaza, where Catarina Martins from the Left Group highlighted the infringement of basic principles of international law and the need for a discussion session on the matter, underscores the parliament's commitment to addressing human rights and international law issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Parliament emphasized the need for continuous support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
  • Andrzej Halicki from the European People's Party stressed the necessity to increase Ukraine's security, citing a quote from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: "Anyone who helps Ukraine helps themselves."
  • The parliament's focus on Ukraine's security would not only benefit Ukraine but also Europe, as highlighted by Halicki, who stated that "nobody has a right to call themselves a patriot if they undermine this."
  • Several parliament members, including Catarina Martins from the Left Group, spoke about the ongoing war in Gaza, criticizing the infringement of basic principles of international law and the need for a discussion session on the matter.
  • The parliament has a responsibility to address human rights and international law issues, as emphasized by Martins, who highlighted the association agreement with Israel and the presence of European weapons in the region.
  • The European Parliament has been vocal about its opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, with Martins condemning the use of bombs, hunger, and illness as tools of war.

Statistics:

  • Over 38,700 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
  • More than 89,000 Palestinians have been injured.
  • Over nine months into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.
  • Over 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge in the southern city of Rafah before it was invaded on May 6.

Sources:

  • Press service of the European Parliament, " EU parliament meets for first time after elections", EuropaPress (June 10, 2023)
  • Andrzej Halicki, statement on Ukraine's security, European Parliament (June 14, 2023)
  • Catarina Martins, statement on Gaza, European Parliament (June 14, 2023)
  • Local health authorities in Gaza, "Palestinian death toll in Gaza exceeds 38,700 since October 7, 2023", Al Jazeera (June 15, 2023)
  • International Court of Justice, "Ruling orders Israel to immediately halt military operation in Rafah", BBC News (June 10, 2023)