SP calls for intervention in Gaza
SP calls for intervention in Gaza
The SP’s team in the European Parliament has called on the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs to take action in response to reports of renewed bombings in Gaza, reprisals for attacks on Israeli targets from within the enclave. In July Israel invaded the area, an action which resulted in 2,100 dead and 11,000 wounded, as well as enormous material damage. For the moment, reconstruction is out of the question.
"The reports are extremely concerning,’ says SP Euro-MP Anne-Marie Mineur, ‘and I fear that war will break out again, though Gaza has already been wrecked. Now the European Parliament has voted so heavily in support of the resolution on recognition of Palestine, the High Representative Federica Mogherini needs to take action. In the resolution this situation is specifically mentioned. When some 70% of the European Parliament supported this resolution, Mogherini can surely only exercise her influence. We are continuing to call for the Association Agreement with Israel to be suspended. The United States is doing nothing to put Israel under pressure, so the European Union needs to take action.’
In the resolution, adopted on December 17th, the European Parliament expresses ‘grave concern at the growing tensions and increasing violence in the region; condemns in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism or violence, and extends its condolences to the families of the victims; … calls on political leaders from all sides to work together through visible actions to de-escalate the situation and stresses that non-violent means and respect for human rights and humanitarian law are the only way to achieve a sustainable solution and a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians; underlines that any violent action can only fuel extremism on both sides; urges all parties to refrain from any action that would worsen the situation by way of incitement, provocation, excessive use of force or retaliation; its serious concern over the growing tensions and increasing violence in the region.”
The Parliament is also of the opinion ‘that the European Union should take its responsibility and become a genuine actor and facilitator in the Middle East peace process, also with a view to the need of the resumption of the peace talks, including through a common approach and a comprehensive strategy for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.’