During October plenary &nbsp;Parliament will assessed the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon. with EU foreign policy chief Borrell.&nbsp;MEPs debated also with the Commission the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation.

While around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, the numbers of victims in Gaza rises every day, and the war is escalating as Israel has begun ground attacks on Hezbollah inside Lebanon. In retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah and on Hamas in Gaza, Iran has fired ballistic missiles on Israel.

The EU remains fully committed to efforts to avert a regional war, according to High Representative Borrell. Furthermore, he called on the EU to pledge to prevent Lebanon’s state institutions from collapsing, to look for a political response to the conflict and has urged for a global alliance to implement the two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an&nbsp;immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023 as a result of Israel’s response to the attack by Hamas.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

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

On Monday afternoon, MEPs debate with the Commission the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation.

One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

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

Situation in Gaza. On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and the prospect of a two-state solution.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participate at the commemoration on one-year anniversary of terror attacks in Israel

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

EP Plenary session - One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

Delegations for relations with Israel Constitutive meeting

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East

EP Plenary session - Commission Statement - EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

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

AFET - Exchange of views on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation

EP Plenary session - Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Eli COHEN, Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs

EP Plenary session - Urgent need for immediate measures against the rise of antisemitism

Meeting of Delegation for relations with Israel

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel's right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel: Visit of the Ichilov Hospital

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

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there.

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: extracts from the debate

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there. Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: MEPs debate (part 2)

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs call for an urgent ceasefire in Lebanon and for the UN mission in the country to be protected, after several recent attacks. The European Union has expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Israeli authorities accuse Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and consider that the UN’s refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into “hostages of Hezbollah”. UNIFIL was established in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon to monitor the situation there. Opening statement by by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks: opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

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

Parliament assesses the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with the European Commission. The news features highlights from the debate reflecting on the events and their aftermath. It includes the opening statement by High Representative of the Union Josep Borrell Fontelles. The debate covers various perspectives on the right to self-defense, the role of international humanitarian law, calls for the protection of civilians and addresses the role of the European Union in the current situation in the Middle East.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: extracts from the debate with the participation of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union and Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs debate with the Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the one year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the current war in Gaza and wider Middle East destabilisation. Closing statements.

One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas: Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

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