Brussels, 21 March 2024 (TDI): The European Parliament urges Israel to open Gaza crossings for safe delivery of aid. The Parliament took a significant step to address the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a heartfelt response to the distressing situation in Gaza, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted decisively, with 372 in favor, 44 against, and 120 abstentions, to call upon Israel to act swiftly.
MEPs unite to address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Their demand is to allow aid to flow freely across all crossings to ensure that help reaches those who need it most. Highlighting the severity of the situation, MEPs stressed the imperative of opening key crossings such as Rafah, Kerem Shalom, Karmi, and Erez.
They emphasized the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in providing essential assistance to the region.
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Furthermore, the resolution condemns any obstruction of humanitarian aid and attacks against humanitarian convoys, including some acts of violence by Hamas.
MEPs deplore the catastrophic impact of such actions on civilians, particularly children, and call for an immediate cessation of all attacks. They demand a thorough and independent international investigation into these incidents.
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In addition to addressing the crisis in Gaza, the resolution also condemns extremist settler violence and attacks by Israeli armed forces against Palestinians in the West Bank.
MEPs strongly oppose the illegal settlement of Palestinian land, citing it as a violation of international law, and express deep concern about the escalating conflict, particularly in Lebanon.
The European Parliament emphasizes that sustainable peace, security, and stability for Gaza and the broader Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation process are contingent upon addressing the humanitarian crisis and ceasing all forms of violence.
In short, the European Parliament urges Israel to open Gaza crossings for aid, emphasizing urgent humanitarian needs and condemning violence.
The European Parliament emphasized that making peace and keeping Gaza safe, as well as helping Palestinians and Israelis make amends, all depend on fixing the crisis and stopping all violence.
