In a vote that took place on Thursday, with 500 votes in favor, 21 against, and 24 abstentions, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) strongly condemned the Hamas terror attack, expressed their support for Israel and its people, and underlined the need to “eliminate the terrorist organization Hamas."
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The document was submitted by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who visited the Gaza Strip on Friday together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The submission of the document followed the intense activity of the Israeli Embassy in the European Union led by Amb. Haim Regev.
"This is an extraordinary expression of support for Israel by the European Union parliament. For the first time there is support across parties and lines in Israel, at a rate of over 90%," according to Regev.
The European Parliament also called for the immediate release of all hostages kidnapped by Hamas and recognized Israel’s right to self-defense "as enshrined in and constrained by international law." As such, any actions by Israel must strictly comply with international humanitarian law, the text states.
The European Parliament is concerned that both Hamas attacks and Israel's response could perpetuate a cycle of violence in the region. To address this, MEPs are calling for a "humanitarian pause" in the war. They emphasize that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as UN workers, medical personnel and journalists, constitutes a serious violation of international law.
Additionally, the European Parliament expressed deep sorrow for the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and injuries resulting from the recent explosion at the Al Ahli Episcopal Hospital in Gaza. The resolution also urges an independent investigation under international law to determine whether this incident was a deliberate attack and a war crime. If so, the perpetrators should be held accountable, according to the European Parliament.
Expressing grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, members of the parliament emphasized the crucial need to distinguish between the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations on one side, and the Hamas group, designated as a terrorist organization, on the other. MEPs are urging the international community to not only sustain but also amplify their humanitarian aid efforts for the civilian population in the region. They are calling on both Egypt and Israel to collaborate with the global community in the establishment of humanitarian pathways to the Gaza Strip.
Investigation into the role of countries such as Iran, Qatar and Russia in the conflict
The resolution strongly condemns Iran's backing of Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip. MEPs reiterated their call to include both the entire Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah on the EU's list of recognized terrorist organizations. Furthermore, they demand comprehensive investigations into the roles played by Iran, as well as countries like Qatar and Russia, in financing and supporting terrorism in the region.