Resolution on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation

The European Parliament adopted by 312 votes to 131, with 72 abstentions, a resolution on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.

Ceasefire

Parliament called for a permanent ceasefire and to restart efforts towards a political solution provided that all hostages are immediately and unconditionally released, and the terrorist organisation Hamas is dismantled. Deep sorrow was expressed for the innocent victims on both sides.

While reaffirming its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the despicable terrorist attacks committed by the terrorist group Hamas against Israel, Parliament also condemned the disproportionate Israeli military response, which has caused a civilian death toll of unprecedented scale.

Humanitarian aid

Parliament undermined the urgent need for full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to and throughout the entire Gaza Strip and urged the Israeli authorities to ensure the continuous access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, with an emphasis on the uninterrupted delivery of essentials such as fuel, food, water, medical supplies and shelter, in line with international law, and demands the immediate restoration of vital infrastructure, in particular to prevent the risk of catastrophic hunger and starvation, as well as the possible spread of infectious diseases.

The resolution also called for humanitarian access to be ensured in order to address the medical needs of all hostages and for the bodies of deceased hostages to be returned.

Two-state solution

Parliament reiterated its call for an end to the occupation of the Palestinian territories. It reiterated its unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines with two sovereign, democratic states living side by side in peace and guaranteed security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, and in full respect of international law. It also welcomed the European Union and the Arab League’s Peace Day Effort for Middle East Peace, which was launched just before the attacks took place on 7 October 2023.

Moreover, Parliament is appalled that Hamas’s leaders have accumulated huge wealth at the expense of Palestinian civilians who have mostly been living in poverty. It strongly condemned the rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians and called for EU restrictive measures to be imposed on extremist settlers who violate human rights and international law.

Lastly, the resolution denounced the role played by third states and non-state entities in providing financial, material and operational support to Hamas and Hezbollah and called for thorough investigations to be launched to determine the origins of the funds and arms systems used by them.

Parliament also condemned the spike in antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and racism across Europe.