The European Parliament (EP) on Thursday condemned “the deplorable attack” by the Islamist group Hamas in Israel and called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, urging the European institutions to act “with one voice” comment.
The resolution, presented by five parliamentary groups, concerns “Hamas’ despicable terrorist attacks on Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with humanitarian and international law, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza”was approved by a large majority, with 500 votes in favor, 21 against and 24 abstentions, a moment greeted with applause, during the European Parliament’s plenary session, which ends on Thursday in Strasbourg, France.
“Condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable terrorist attacks perpetrated by the terrorist group Hamas on Israel and expresses its support for the State of Israel and its people; reiterates the need to eliminate the terrorist organization Hamas”refers in the first point to the resolution.
Two parliamentary groups tabled oral amendments, which aimed to add a call for a humanitarian ceasefire: the Left Group’s amendment was rejected, but the Renew Europe amendment fueled a more tense debate.
After initially being rejected, MEP Hilde Vautmans called for “unity and a strong voice” in the face of a “very urgent humanitarian situation”. Another deputy asked for the exact number of elected officials who did not accept the amendment, with Vautmans asking: “Who can oppose such a request?”.
The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, then gave the benches a two-minute break to discuss “a very delicate subject”. The amendment was put to the vote again and approved to the applause of the delegates.
The vote on the document lasted more than 30 minutes, with Members of the European Parliament voting paragraph by paragraph, as well as dozens of oral amendments, the vast majority of which were rejected.
Two amendments were approved: one demanding an independent investigation, under international law, to determine whether the attack on the Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of people on Tuesday was intentional, and another rejecting anti-Semitic attacks in Europe.
In the resolution, the EP recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense, enshrined and limited by international law.
“Israel’s actions must strictly respect international humanitarian law”think of the Members of the European Parliament and emphasize that the Hamas attacks and the Israeli response to them“Risk of reinforcing a cycle of violence in the region”.
The European Parliament also emphasizes that “uncoordinated statements and actions by the EU have led to an incoherent approach to the conflict”.
“The European Commission and the Council must tackle the situation in a coordinated manner and with one voice to achieve their geopolitical ambitions”emphasizes the resolution.
The response of the European institutions to the conflict in Israel has caused controversy in recent days, following a visit by the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, to Israel, which was deemed to have exceeded its mandate – foreign policy is defined by the Council -, while the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, recalled that he was “the representative of the official position” of the EU.
Shortly after the Hamas attack, the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Policy, Hungarian Oliver Varhelyi, announced the suspension of all economic and financial support to the Palestinian population, information that was validated by European Commission spokespeople but subsequently contradicted by the Commission itself. and the Commissioner for Crisis Management.
In the resolution, MEPs demand the “immediate and unconditional release” of the hostages held by Hamas and express their “deepest regret and total solidarity with the innocent victims on all sides”.
On the other hand, they express “deep concern” over the “rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,” call for the “opening and permanent maintenance of channels providing humanitarian aid to civilians” in that area and urge calls on the international community to increase support for the civilian population.
They also call for “those responsible for acts of terrorism and violations of international law to be held accountable,” expressing their “strong support for the work of the International Criminal Court.”
The EP reiterates the need to immediately restart the peace process and reaffirms its ‘unwavering support’ for a negotiated two-state solution based on the 1967 lines, with two sovereign and democratic states – Israel and Palestine – living ‘coexist in peace’ ‘. and guaranteed security,” with Jerusalem as its capital.
The initiative also calls, among other things, for a reduction in tension to prevent escalation at the Israel-Lebanon border and proposes placing the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah on the EU list of terrorist groups.
Source: DN
