Thanks to the strong pressure by the Socialists and Democrats, the European Parliament has today debated the war in Gaza and the dire situation of civilians on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. While Israel is threatening a reckless ground operation at Rafah and the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to ensure its military does not take actions that violate the Genocide Convention, we call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages still in the hands of Hamas. 

EP standing rapporteur for Palestine and S&D MEP, Evin Incir, said:

“Palestinian lives matter! We call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. The number of civilians killed by the Israeli army is increasing hour by hour. The death toll in Gaza has already passed the shameful milestone of 30,000, 70% of them children and women. More than two million people are displaced, mainly cornered in Rafah. Diseases are spreading. The very few hospitals still functioning are constantly targeted by Israeli bombings, despite the presence of doctors, patients and civilians inside. About 80% of the population already face catastrophic food insecurity conditions. More than a million children and elderly people suffer from dehydration, digestive or respiratory diseases. This is the harsh reality faced by people in Gaza every day. The international community must stop turning a blind eye. This massacre must stop! Unhindered humanitarian access to facilitate the delivery of vital life-saving humanitarian aid must be ensured.

“As ordered by the International Court of Justice, we urge Israel to refrain from acts under the Genocide Convention, and to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to genocide. While calling for the immediate release of all hostages still in the hands of Hamas, we also urge the international community to put pressure on the Israeli government to refrain from launching a ground operation in Rafah, which is shelter to a million Palestinian civilians.

“We value the crucial work of UNRWA*, ensuring vital humanitarian aid to civilians, under extremely dangerous conditions. We urge all countries to resume and increase their funding to the Agency, which is needed now more than ever.”

*The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)