EP Plenary session - The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

EP Plenary session - Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

Plenary discusses the latest ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take a series of measures to prevent any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, after South Africa filed an application against Israel at the court in December 2023. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure aid can reach people in Gaza. During the debate with the Council and the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs also discuss the allegations that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA ) were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. While several donor countries have suspended their UNRWA funding, the EU said it will take a decision in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and its subsequent actions.

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: MEPs debate part 1

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: Opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

MEPs vote on the following non legilative resolutions: Revision of the European Labour Authority mandate, Situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds, and on the Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation.

Voting Session - Part 2 (Situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds, Humanitarian situation in Gaza)

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. This news item shows extracts from the debate on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: extracts from the debate

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. Second part of the debate.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: MEPs debate (part 2)

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. First part of MEPs debate.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: MEPs debate (part 1)

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. Statements by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institutions and Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: opening statements by Hadja LAHBIB, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

After the opening statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, MEPs debate on the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: MEPs debate part 2

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: MEPs debate part 1

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution. Opening statement Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution: Opening statement Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the EU

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, have so far been killed. MEPs take stock of the latest developments, and discuss the regional and global implications of the renewed hostilities as well as the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East. Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World.

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, have so far been killed. MEPs take stock of the latest developments, and discuss the regional and global implications of the renewed hostilities as well as the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East.

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: MEPs debate (part 1)

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: MEPs debate (part 2)

Following Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage, Israel declared war against the terrorist group. It began striking the Gaza Strip from the air, later sending ground forces into the sealed-off coastal enclave. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including a large number of civilians, have so far been killed. MEPs take stock of the latest developments, and discuss the regional and global implications of the renewed hostilities as well as the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East. Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World and Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza: opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Commission and Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

The leaders of the European Parliament political groups give a statement on the urgent need for immediate measures against the rise of antisemitism during the plenary session in Brussels. One round of political group speakers

Urgent need for immediate measures against the rise of antisemitism: one round of political group speakers

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets Eli COHEN, Israeli Foreign Minister, at the European Parliament in Brussels. The Israeli Foreign Minister's visit comes against the backdrop of hostilities between Israel and Palestine.

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