MEPs and the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages.

With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.” MEPs will also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region. In his statement of 1 November 2024, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasised UNRWA's life-saving work in Gaza.

MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

As Israel intensifies ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, and casualty numbers in Gaza continue to rise. In response to the conflict, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel. High Representative Borrell has emphasized the EU's commitment to prevent a regional war. MEPs have previously called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access, with reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicating that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023 due to Israel's response to the attack by Hamas.

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. In a statement on 29 January, the Commission said EU humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank will continue uninterrupted through partner organisations.

Plenary debate - War in Gaza

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

Delegations for relations with Palestine Constitutive meeting

EP Plenary session - Debate - HRVP statement - War in the Gaza Strip

EP Plenary session - Key debate - Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need for the release of hostages and for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire and the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East

EP Plenary session - Relations with the Palestinian Authority

EP Plenary session - Deterioration of democracy in Israel and consequences on the occupied territories

EP Plenary session - Prospects for the two-State solution for Israel and Palestine

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ramallah, West Bank: - Meeting with Mahmoud ABBAS, President of the Palestinian Authority

EP Plenary session - The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and he violent incidents at her funeral

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives Mohammad SHTAYYEH, Prime Minister of Palestine

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mohammad SHTAYYEH, Palestinian Prime Minister

David McALLISTER, EP Vice-President meets with Mohammad SHTAYYEH, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine

EP Plenary session - EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine

AFET Committee - Exchange of views with Mohammed SHTAYYEH, Palestinian Prime Minister

AFET Committee on Foreign Affairs - Exchange of views with Mohammad SHTAYYEH, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister

Constituent meeting of the Delegation for relations with Palestine

Plenary session.Situation in Gaza Strip

MEPs and the the Commission will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip”. Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

MEPs and the the Commission will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.”

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: MEPs debate (part 2)

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: MEPs debate (part 1)

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: Opening statements

MEPs and the the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. MEPs also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region.

Continued escalation in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: extracts from the debate

The Foreign Affairs and Development committees votes to shortlist three finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, among those already nominated by MEPs and political groups. The 3 finalists are: Venezuela’s María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, Israel/Palestine associations “Women wage peace" and "Women of the sun" and Azerbaijan’s Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu.Announcement of the 3 finalists for Sakharov Prize 2024: statements by David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Chair Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Barry ANDREWS (Renew, IE), Chair Committee on Development(DEVE) and Mounir SATOURI (GREENS/EFA, FR), Chair Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI).

Announcement of the 3 finalists for Sakharov Prize 2024: statements by David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Chair, Barry ANDREWS (Renew, IE), DEVE Chair and Mounir SATOURI (GREENS/EFA, FR), DROI Chair

This video shows women from the Israeli movement “Women Wage Peace” and the Palestinian movement “Women of the Sun”, finalist for the Sakharov Prize 2024, holding a joint peace rally on October 4th. They demand an end to the cycle of bloodshed and to promote “The Mothers’ Call”, formulated by both movements calling on peoples of both nations – Palestinian and Israeli, and peoples of the region to join their call for the resolution of the conflict. Since 7 October 2023 attacks, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified, yet voices for peace persist. Dr. Yael Admi and Reem Hajajra lead the two movements dedicated to this mission. In March 2022, WWP and WOS launched a historic partnership to end the conflict.

Infoclip: Sakharov Prize 2024 - Finalist: "Women wage peace" and "Women of the sun", Israel/Palestine

MEPs discuss the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: MEPs debate (part 2)

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: MEPs debate (part 1)

Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs debate with the Commission the current situation of the War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments related to the ICJ and UNRWA and in the region.

War in the Gaza Strip: extracts from the debate

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: 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

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: MEPs debate part 3

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

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.

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