President Metsola is on an official visit to Israel and the Palestinian occupied territory, where she is holding talks with the political authorities.

During her official visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, EP President Metsola was the first European leader to enter Gaza in more than a decade.&nbsp;

During her visit, the President is underlining Europe’s willingness:-to engage constructively with all partners in the region,- to ensure the current ceasefire and hostage deal holds and to provide a path to a sustainable peace in the region that can ensure security for Israel and a real perspective to the Palestinian people.

The European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President and political groups’ leaders) welcomed&nbsp;the recent ceasefire in Gaza and the progress it represents for the phased release of hostages. This development is a significant step in reducing the immense suffering endured by civilians on both sides over the past months.

US and Qatari mediators announced that Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, which began&nbsp;on 19 January. The deal includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians that have fled&nbsp;parts of Gaza will also be able to return home.

It is estimated that Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians since October 2023, in response to the attack by Hamas in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 people abducted.&nbsp; MEPs have adopted a number of resolutions since the October 2023 Hamas attack, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and expressing serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Commission President von der Leyen has also said that EU should actively engage with all actors in the Middle East region to work towards a two-state solution to the conflict.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 10 - 13 February plenary session in which MEPs will debate the EU’s continued support for Ukraine after three years of Russia’s war of aggression, providing support to EU regions that border Russia, as well as the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Plenary will also vote on a resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia, debate the Commission work programme for 2025, the recent proposals to boost the EU’s competitiveness, the consequences of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and from the World Health Organisation, as well as the threats that strategic reliance on third countries in communication infrastructure pose to EU sovereignty.

Pre-session briefing

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 - Deteriorating situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire

Delegation for relations with Israel (D-IL) meeting

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Gideon SA'AR, Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Meeting with Meetings with Released Hostages & Families and visit of the

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 Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Visit to the Site of the Nova Festival, in Re'im

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories - Crossing into Gaza and Visit to the Border-Crossing Point & to Humanitarian Operations at Kerem Shalom Border

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

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel give a joint press point after their meeting, ahead of the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony in the European Parliament.

Joint press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel

On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, welcomes Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel, in the European Parliament in Brussels. Extracts from the arrival, welcome and roundtable.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Isaac HERZOG, President of Israel: arrival, welcome and roundtable

This Infoclip illustrates the West Wall and Dome of the Rock district, security checks, Curch of the Holy Sepulcre, old city, shopping mall, Yad Washem memorial, various institutional buildings (Minister for Finances, Minister for Interior and Minister for Foreign Affairs) and the Knesset (outside and plenary session views).

Infoclip: Jerusalem (Israel)

From 22nd to 24th of May, Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits the State of Israel. The President delivers a speech at the Knesset Special Plenary Session, in Jerusalem.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the State of Israel: Address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to the Knesset

From 22nd to 24th of May, Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits the State of Israel. The President is in Jerusalem, meets MICKEY Levy, Speaker of the Knesset and delivers a speech at the Knesset Special Plenary Session.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the State of Israel: arrival at the Knesset, Meeting with Mickey LEVY, Speaker of the Knesset and extracts from the address in the Special Plenary session

From 22nd to 24th of May, Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits the State of Israel. Roberta METSOLA, along with Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE (EPP, ES) and Nicola BEER (Renew, DE) meet with Yossi SHAIN, Chair of the Knesset Delegation for Relations with the European Parliament. Later, The President meets with Alternate Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yair Lapid.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the State of Israel: meeting with Yossi SHAIN, Chair of the Knesset Delegation for Relations with the European Parliament and meeting with Yair LAPID, Minister for Foreign Affairs

From 22nd to 24th of May, Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits the State of Israel. The President participates in the Memorial Ceremony at Yad Vashem - The World Holocause Remembrance Center, in Jerusalem.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the State of Israel: visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center

From 22nd to 24th of May, Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits the State of Israel. The President starts her visit on the campus of the University of Tel Aviv where she is welcomed by Ariel PORAT, Professor and President of Tel Aviv University and Yossi SHAIN, Professor and Member of the Knesset. She exchanges with students during a town hall meeting.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the State of Israel: meeting and discussion with students of the Tel Aviv University

This infoclup shows different aspects of the city of Tel Aviv : the city center, a market, the beach with the skyline, the old town of Jaffa and the University of Tel Aviv.

Infoclip: Tel Aviv (Israel)

After the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on the 11th May 2022, MEPs approved a new item to the plenary's agenda in Brussels. Commissionner Olivér VÁRHELYI, and MEPs condamn the killing and call for an independant investigation.

The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the violent incidents at her funeral: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), following the recent escalation of violence MEPs debate on the EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: closing statements by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: closing statement by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

During the plenary session, MEPs discuss the recent unrest and violence between Israel and Palestine The last days have been witness to some of the worst clashes between the Israeli and Palestinian sides in years. Statements by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Pedro MARQUES (S&D, PT), and Hilde VAUTMANS (Renew, BE).

EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), MEPs debate on the EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine.

EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: MEPs debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), following the recent escalation of violence MEPs debate on the EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: opening statements by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: opening statement by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

David SASSOLI, EP President, is in Jerusalem at the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre (Yad Vashem) for the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. Cutaways of David SASSOLI, EP President, Ursula von der LEYEN, president of the EC and Charles MICHEL, President of the Council, Nancy PELOSI, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Yuli-Yoel EDELSTEIN, Speaker of the Knesset, Charles, Prince of Wales.

Official ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz: arrival of David SASSOLI, EP President to the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre - Yad Vashem (Jerusalem)

During the plenary session (25-28 November 2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the situation in Israel and Palestine, including the settlements.

Situation in Israel and Palestine, including the settlements: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session (15-18 April 2019) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the US recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and the possible annexation of the West Bank settlements. Statements by Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC, Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), Elena VALENCIANO (S&D, ES), Bas BELDER (ECR, NL), Hilde VAUTMANS (ALDE, BE) and Margrete AUKEN (Greens/EFA, DK).

US recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and the possible annexation of the West Bank settlements: extracts from the debate

During the EP plenary session (28-31 May 2018) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate the situation in the Gaza strip and the status of Jerusalem. Statements by Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), Elena VALENCIANO (S&D, ES) and Keith TAYLOR (Greens/EFA, UK).

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