Parliament pushes for Gaza aid, the hostages’ release and justice 

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• MEPs condemn Israel’s humanitarian blockade causing famine in Gaza 
• Israel’s right to self-defence does not justify indiscriminate military action 
• Member states should consider recognising the State of Palestine  

Parliament expresses grave alarm at Gaza’s “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis and calls for urgent EU action, in a resolution adopted on Thursday.

The Parliament strongly condemns the Israeli government’s obstruction of humanitarian aid, which is engineering a famine in Northern Gaza, and calls for all relevant border crossings to be opened. It calls urgently for UNRWA’s full mandate and funding to be reinstated, with robust oversight, and opposes the current aid distribution system.

MEPs are alarmed by the severe food shortages and malnutrition resulting from restricted humanitarian aid and stress the urgent need for full, safe, and unhindered access to essentials such as food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. They demand the immediate restoration of vital infrastructure and call on all parties to respect their humanitarian obligations under international law.

Israel’s right to self-defence

MEPs demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. They urge the EU to exert diplomatic leverage on third countries to pressure Hamas to secure their release.

The Parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms the “barbaric crimes” committed by Hamas against Israel and calls for concrete sanctions against the terrorist group. It reiterates its commitment to Israel’s security and its “inalienable right to self-defence” in full compliance with international law, noting that Israel remains a key EU partner in the fight against regional terrorism.

However, MEPs stress that Israel’s right to defend itself cannot justify indiscriminate military action in Gaza and express concern over the continuous military operations in the Gaza Strip, which have led to unbearable suffering for civilian population, while also denouncing Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields.

Investigation into violations of international law

The resolution endorses the Commission President’s decision to suspend EU bilateral support to Israel, and to partially suspend the EU-Israel agreement as regards trade. MEPs want full investigations into all war crimes and violations of international law and for all those responsible to be held to account. Parliament also supports EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and activists in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and calls for sanctions on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Support for the two-state solution

Parliament urges all EU institutions and member states to take diplomatic steps to ensure commitment to a two-state solution, aiming for progress before the UN General Assembly in September. It stresses the need for total demilitarisation of Gaza and exclusion of Hamas from governance, calling for a reformed Palestinian Authority to be restored as the sole governing body. Hamas and other terrorist groups should lose all political and military control in Gaza, say MEPs, who also encourage EU countries to enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants.

The establishment of a Palestinian State is key to peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalisation, according to Parliament. Member states should consider recognising the State of Palestine, it concludes, with a view to carrying through the two-state solution.

The resolution was adopted by 305 votes in favour, 151 against, and 122 abstentions.