Today, a delegation of Socialists and Democrats MEPs led by group leader Iratxe García held meetings with officials in Ramallah, including prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and deputy foreign minister Amal Jadou.

They also met representatives of civil society and women’s organisations, as well as the brother of the journalist Shireen Abu Akhle, recently killed in Jenin.

Iratxe García said:

“What we see on the ground is a deterioration of everyday life for Palestinians. This is why I welcome the European Commission’s solution to unblock EU funds for basic services provided by the Palestinian Authority.

“New plans for Israeli settlements, threats of displacement and a shrinking space for civil society only make things worse.

“The EU has the moral duty to promote peace and coexistence between neighbours. It must play a stronger role to defend international law, to stop new settlements and demolitions, and to ensure respect for every person’s dignity and fundamental rights. Selective rights based on ethnicity or religion is just unacceptable.

“The same goes for the attacks against journalists. They must be protected to do their job. This is why today I told the brother of Shireen Abu Akhle that we will continue to call for an international independent investigation into the killing. The EU can help with forensic experts that can join an international panel.

“Bringing hope to the Palestinian society, especially the youth, can only be beneficial both for Israelis and Palestinians. So does holding presidential and legislative elections to strengthen Palestinian democracy.”