On Tuesday 27 February, during their sixth debate on the Middle East since 7 October, several representatives of the political groups called on the EU to act to prevent an offensive in Rafah and also called for a ceasefire at a time when humanitarian aid is struggling to enter the enclave and around 100 Israelis are still being held hostage.
International negotiations are said to be under way for a truce to coincide with Ramadan.
“I am appalled by the EU’s lack of action. Time is running out, there have already been 30,000 deaths. Israel has the right to protect itself, but taking innocent lives is not self-defence”, stressed Evin Incir (S&D, Swedish). She called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, adding that the EU could not afford to be a bystander to the situation and that silence was “complicity”.
Antonio López-Istúriz White (EPP, Spanish) said that Europe should be central to mediations between the parties.
For Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgian), Europe must ensure that Israel respects the opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to avoid further civilian casualties. “As ‘Team Europe’, we must bring our diplomatic influence to bear to put an end to the war”, she added. “Let’s listen to the ICJ, which tells us that genocide is a possibility if the bloodshed does not end and if the offensive continues”, added Jordi Solé (Greens/EFA, Spanish), who also called for an immediate ceasefire. The Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Janez Lenarčič – standing in for the EU High Representative who was unwell – made it clear that the EU expected Israel to comply with the ICJ’s orders (see EUROPE 13353/27).
For Manon Aubry (The Left, French), Palestinians are dying because “we are delivering arms, we are refusing to suspend the association agreement, the EU is incapable of applying an ICJ decision, and MEPs are refusing to come to their aid”.
“There is an urgent need to put an end to the fighting, as this would allow a massive influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza”, acknowledged Mr Lenarčič. In his view “the EU is doing all it can”. He recalled the humanitarian support provided by the EU, which has allocated more than €100 million since 7 October and is in the process of deploying €125 million in interim funding this year for Gaza and the West Bank. The Commissioner recalled that the EU had supported 40 flights with 1,700 tonnes of aid. Mr Lenarčič also recalled that the Europeans were in contact with the Israeli authorities to plead for respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, among other things.
The debate also focused on continued support for UNRWA, which divided MEPs, with some denouncing donors’ suspension of funds to the UN agency, while others accused it of being an accomplice of Hamas and called for it to be replaced. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)