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

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Hussein AL-SHEIKH, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Reem AL HAJAJRA, Director of Women of the Sun and Sakharov Prize Nominee

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories: meeting with Amir OHANA, Speaker of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) and Gideon SA'AR, Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs

EP Plenary session - Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy

EP Plenary session - Ceasefire in Gaza - the urgent need to release the hostages, to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pave the way for a two-state solution

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

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

This infoclip shows an in-depth look at the association Women of the Sun, a 2024 Sakharov Prize nominee. The video features general views of Bethlehem, scenes from the Women of the Sun association’s, including a meeting led by its director Reem Al Hajajra. Additional footage includes office daily life, as well as Reem Al Hajajra at her desk. The organization promotes cultural awareness and political engagement for women in Palestine.

Infoclip: 2024 Sakharov Prize Nominee, Women of the Sun

President Metsola is on an official visit to Israel and the Palestinian occupied territory, where she is holding talks with the political authorities. She meets with Hussein AL-SHEIKH, Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Ramallah.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories: extracts from the meeting with Hussein AL-SHEIKH, Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Reem AL HAJAJRA, Director of Women of the Sun, Sakharov Prize Nominee in Ramallah. Reem Alhajajra co-founded the organistion in 2021 to promote cultural awareness as well as political engagement of women in Palestine.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories: extracts from the meeting with Sakharov Prize Nominee Reem AL HAJAJRA , Director of Women of the Sun

In summer 2024, while presenting her political programme to Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen said that active EU engagement with the Middle East would be one of her priorities if re-elected as Commission President. In President von der Leyen’s mission letter to Kaja Kallas, published in autumn 2024, she tasked the new EU foreign policy chief with presenting a comprehensive EU Middle East strategy, “with a view to the day after the war in Gaza”. The focus of the strategy should, she said, be the promotion “of all the steps needed for the two-state solution and strengthening partnerships with key regional stakeholders”. Closing statements by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy: Closing statements by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

In summer 2024, while presenting her political programme to Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen said that active EU engagement with the Middle East would be one of her priorities if re-elected as Commission President. In President von der Leyen’s mission letter to Kaja Kallas, published in autumn 2024, she tasked the new EU foreign policy chief with presenting a comprehensive EU Middle East strategy, “with a view to the day after the war in Gaza”. The focus of the strategy should, she said, be the promotion “of all the steps needed for the two-state solution and strengthening partnerships with key regional stakeholders”. MEPs debate (Part 2)

Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy: MEPs debate (Part 2)

In summer 2024, while presenting her political programme to Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen said that active EU engagement with the Middle East would be one of her priorities if re-elected as Commission President. In President von der Leyen’s mission letter to Kaja Kallas, published in autumn 2024, she tasked the new EU foreign policy chief with presenting a comprehensive EU Middle East strategy, “with a view to the day after the war in Gaza”. The focus of the strategy should, she said, be the promotion “of all the steps needed for the two-state solution and strengthening partnerships with key regional stakeholders”. MEPs debate (Part 1)

Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy: MEPs debate (Part 1)

In summer 2024, while presenting her political programme to Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen said that active EU engagement with the Middle East would be one of her priorities if re-elected as Commission President. In President von der Leyen’s mission letter to Kaja Kallas, published in autumn 2024, she tasked the new EU foreign policy chief with presenting a comprehensive EU Middle East strategy, “with a view to the day after the war in Gaza”. The focus of the strategy should, she said, be the promotion “of all the steps needed for the two-state solution and strengthening partnerships with key regional stakeholders”. Opening statements Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy: Opening statements Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean

The latest developments in Gaza are discussed by MEPs. MEPs debate (part 2)

Ceasefire in Gaza - the urgent need to release the hostages, to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pave the way for a two-state solution : MEPs Debate (part 2)

EU - Palestine (T)

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