Strasbourg votes by majority to address humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promote two-state solution. Netanyahu reiterates rejection of Palestinian state
The European Parliament has approved by a majority a resolution on the crisis in Gaza, presented by the S&D, Greens and Renew groups, calling on Member States to consider recognising the State of Palestine in order to promote the two-state solution. The text, entitled “Gaza on the brink: EU action to combat famine, the urgent need to free hostages and move towards a two-state solution”, passed with 305 votes in favour, 151 against and 122 abstentions.
The majority of the EPP, including Forza Italia, S&D with the PD, Renew, most of the Greens and part of the Left, including co-chair Manon Aubry, voted in favour. The Patriots, Lega, part of the ECR, ENS, part of the EPP and some of the Left voted against. The Five Star Movement voted against, while abstentions included part of the ECR, including Fratelli d’Italia, and other MEPs from various groups, including Ilaria Salis of AVS.
The resolution expresses concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which it describes as “catastrophic”, condemns Israel’s blockade of aid and calls for the opening of border crossings and the urgent restoration of UNRWA and vital infrastructure. MEPs call for safe access to food, water, medicine and shelter, reiterating the obligation to comply with international law and calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, as well as the unconditional release of Israeli hostages.
Parliament condemns Hamas’ “barbaric crimes” and calls for concrete sanctions against the group, reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defence, while stressing that this does not justify indiscriminate military actions affecting the civilian population. MEPs support the European Commission’s suspension of bilateral support to Israel and part of the EU-Israel trade agreement, and call for investigations into all war crimes.
EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and ministers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are also confirmed. The assembly calls on EU institutions and countries to support diplomatic steps towards a two-state solution, with the demilitarisation of Gaza and the exclusion of Hamas from the government. The creation of a Palestinian state is described as fundamental to peace, Israel’s security and regional normalisation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by reiterating that there will be no Palestinian state, stating: ‘This place belongs to us,’ during the signing ceremony for a new settlement in Maale Adumim. The Prime Minister’s Office also criticised Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, calling his statements on Spain’s measures to stop what the Iberian government considers genocide, which is taking place in Gaza, a ‘blatant genocidal threat.’
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