Several MEPs denounced on Wednesday 8 July, during a plenary debate, the continuation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire, the difficulties in securing access for humanitarian aid in the enclave and the worsening situation in the West Bank, notably because of the increase in settler violence and the expansion of Israeli settlements.
Some Members considered that the European Union could not remain a bystander to violations of international law and called for firmer measures, notably sanctions against extremist settlers and certain members of the Israeli government, as well as the suspension of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel. MEPs on the left of the hemicycle argued for tougher sanctions, a greater role for the United Nations in reconstruction and the creation of a European financial instrument dedicated to Gaza.
Conversely, Members on the right insisted that the reconstruction of Gaza had to go hand in hand with the dismantling of the terrorist group Hamas and guarantees against any diversion of humanitarian aid, also referring to Israel’s right to ensure its security.
On behalf of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, reaffirmed the EU’s support for the implementation of the ceasefire, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza. Mr Byrne also recalled that a review of Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations was under way and that further measures targeting illegal settlements were being examined.
On behalf of the European Commission, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, defended the continuation of dialogue with Israel alongside support for a reformed Palestinian Authority. Ms Šuica announced the extension until the end of 2026 of the banking arrangements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, as well as the launch of the Team Gaza initiative, intended to support the initial recovery operations, notably in the areas of waste management and water. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)