European Parliament Condemns Israeli Blockade in Gaza, Demands Immediate Ceasefire and Relief

Strategic Insights -

The European Parliament has expressed grave alarm at the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Israel's humanitarian blockade and demanding immediate restoration of vital infrastructure and full, safe, and unhindered access to essential goods. The Parliament calls for a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of Israeli hostages, and the reinstatement of UNRWA's full mandate and funding. MEPs stress that Israel's right to self-defence does not justify indiscriminate military action in Gaza, while also condemning Hamas' use of civilians as human shields.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Parliament has condemned Israel's humanitarian blockade in Gaza, which is causing a famine in Northern Gaza, and has called for all relevant border crossings to be opened.
  • MEPs demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and the reinstatement of UNRWA's full mandate and funding.
  • The Parliament stresses that Israel's right to self-defence does not justify indiscriminate military action in Gaza, and has denounced Hamas' use of civilians as human shields.
  • MEPs urge the EU to exert diplomatic leverage on third countries to pressure Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages.
  • The Resolution endorses the Commission President's decision to suspend EU bilateral support to Israel and partially suspend the EU-Israel agreement as regards trade.
  • MEPs support EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and activists in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as sanctions on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
  • The Parliament encourages EU countries to enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants and supports the establishment of a Palestinian State as key to peace, Israel's security, and regional normalisation.

Statistics:

  • 305 votes in favour of the Resolution, 151 against, and 122 abstentions.
  • 1,437 people fired upon in the past five days by Israeli forces as of the resolution adopted.
  • 85% of Gaza's population relies on humanitarian aid.

Sources:

  • European Parliament, "Parliament pushes for Gaza aid, the hostages' release and justice"
  • UNRWA, "UNRWA's Response to Gaza Crisis"
  • International Criminal Court, "Arrest Warrants Issued Against Israeli Officials for War Crimes in Gaza"