The EPP Group has expressed grave concern over the situation in Gaza and Israel and commends the cessation of hostilities which cause unjustifiable suffering of innocent civilians. The EPP Group also calls for an urgent de-escalation and cessation of hostilities and the need for all sides to fully respect and abide by international humanitarian law.

"This cessation of hostilities is in everyone's interest, particularly at a time of instability in the region and that the current situation underlines once more the urgent need to move towards a two-state solution allowing both sides to live side-by-side in peace and security", stressed José Ignacio Salafranca MEP, EPP Group Coordinator in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.

"Circumstances are working against us with the fragmentation of the Palestinian cause, the forthcoming elections in Israel and the escalation of the nuclear threat in Iran", Mr Salafranca added, speaking in the plenary debate in the European Parliament on the situation in Gaza on Wednesday 21 November 2012.

"We strongly support the mediating efforts by Egypt to achieve a ceasefire and have no doubts that for the ceasefire to be broad and sustainable, and to ensure stability in the region, the core of the problem needs to be addressed", concluded José Ignacio Salafranca.

On Thursday, the European Parliament will vote on a Resolution underlining that peaceful and non-violent means are the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and calling for the creation of conditions for the resumption of direct peace talks between both parties.

For further information:
José Ignacio SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ-NEYRA MEP, Tel: +33-3-88175603
Concepción Portero Zuniga, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +33-3-88174213
Evangelia Mitsopoulou, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-475-751574

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 270 Members and 3 Croatian Observer Members.