Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash
MEPs say they are “deeply concerned” about what they call “the catastrophic humanitarian situation” in Gaza.
They say this includes the risk of imminent starvation.
In a resolution adopted by 372 votes in favour, 44 against and 120 abstentions, MEPs called on Israel to immediately allow and facilitate full aid delivery into and throughout Gaza.
This, they say, should go via all existing crossings and underline the urgent need for rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
They also reiterated their call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to “address the looming risk of mass starvation in Gaza and to immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross must be given immediate access to all Israeli hostages being held in Gaza to provide them with medical care, said deputies who met in Strasbourg this week.
The Parliamentary resolution welcomes maritime aid corridors for Gaza but underlines that land distribution needs to be the priority.
Pointing to the spread of diseases and the confirmed deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration, MEPs urged Israeli authorities to open the Rafah, Kerem Shalom, Karmi and Erez crossings.
They also recognise the “indispensable role” of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the region.
The bitter conflict will be discussed by EU leaders at the next Council meeting on 21-22 March.
Ahead of the meeting, the ECR Group said it wanted to “reiterate our call for the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and deplore the fact that the Red Cross has still not been granted access to them, despite the entry of aid.”
“We regret the toll on innocent civilians of the ongoing war and reiterate that terrorism is incompatible with a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
