What changed

B90187/2024

B90189/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Gaza,

– having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas since 9.10.2023 the near-total siege of Gaza hinders entry of food, water, medicines, hygienic products and other crucial supplies;

A. Whereas on 7th October 2023, Hamas terrorists committed a long-planned attack on Israel, deliberately murdering 1 139 Israeli and foreign citizens; whereas Hamas took over 240 people hostage; whereas since then, the disproportionate response of the Israeli army in Gaza has resulted in over 30.800 people killed, 75.000 injured, including 70% women and children;

B. whereas according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), all 2.2 million people in Gaza face alarming levels of acute food insecurity, the highest ever classified by IPC, with 50% experiencing starvation; whereas at least 15 children died from malnutrition and dehydration;

B. Whereas the Parliament has repeatedly condemned the 7th October attack and reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defence within the limits of international law, the need to increase humanitarian aid and to release all hostages; whereas it has repeatedly urged Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law, which outlines that attacks must only be directed at military objectives and that civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted;

C. whereas on 26.1.24, the ICJ ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to provide basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza; whereas according to UNRWA, 50% less aid entered Gaza in February than in January 2024; whereas more than 2000 aid trucks are waiting in Rafah crossing;

C. Whereas the UN warns that a quarter of the people in Gaza are on the brink of famine and a growing number of children are dying from starvation due to the lack of access to humanitarian aid, medical equipment, food, water, electricity and fuel; whereas most of the civilian infrastructure, including hospitals has been destroyed; whereas over 1.7 million people have been displaced and deadly diseases spread; whereas Israeli control over the Gaza Strip’s entry and exit points severely restricts aid;

D. whereas, amongst others, UN experts condemned Israel for using starvation as weapon of war, prohibited under international humanitarian law;

D. Whereas, on 29th February over 100 Palestinians were killed when Israeli troops opened fire during humanitarian aid deliveries and 700 were injured; whereas this underscores the desperate humanitarian situation ; whereas since 20th February the UN has suspended food deliveries to North Gaza after convoys faced attacks and looting;

E. whereas on 8.3.24 the EU and partners announced a maritime aid corridor to Gaza;

1. strongly condemns the obstruction of humanitarian aid by Israel and attacks against humanitarian convoys; deplores its catastrophic impact on civilians in Gaza, particularly on children; condemns the killing of 161 UN aid workers, 340 health workers and 7 humanitarian staff;

F. whereas at least 162 UNRWA staff were killed in Gaza; whereas following allegations by Israel against 12 UNRWA staff, which are currently being investigated, major donors suspended funding to UNRWA, impairing its crucial role in alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe;

2. Calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a massive increase of humanitarian aid and the immediate release of all hostages;

1. Calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages;

3. Urges Israeli authorities again to urgently ensure safe access of humanitarian aid including by opening the Rafah, Kerem Shalom, Karmi and Erez crossings; warns against looming famine and demands the implementation of ICJ’s Order of 26 January 2024 regarding ‘‘immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance’’;

2. Condemns that the disproportionate Israeli military response to the Hamas terror attacks causes an unprecedented civilian death toll, immense destruction, a deadly humanitarian crisis and imminent risk of famine, creating an environment of despair and chaos, particularly for children and women, including the sexual and reproductive rights of the latter;

4. Demands an international investigation to determine the responsibilities for the tragic events in February;

3. Urges Israel to immediately allow and facilitate full, unimpeded, safe aid delivery into and throughout Gaza via all existing crossings, in line with its international obligations and ICJ orders; welcomes maritime aid corridors but reminds that land distribution needs to be the priority;

5. Urges the EU to further increase aid for Gaza; welcomes its rapid response to provide medical, food and logistical support to the Palestinian population since October 2023; recalls the essential role played by UNRWA in providing basic aid to Gaza;

4. Strongly condemns repeated attacks on humanitarian convoys, civilians seeking aid, humanitarian and medical facilities and workers; urges all parties to immediately cease these attacks; demands an independent, international investigation, including by the ICC, into all possible war crimes, including the “flour massacre” involving the IDF ;

6. Urges the Israeli authorities to refrain from launching a ground operation in Rafah, the last refuge for more than one and a half million Palestinians; reminds Israel of its obligations under international humanitarian law;

5. Calls for the establishment of secure, uninterrupted humanitarian corridors and full security for humanitarian and medical workers;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Secretary-General of the UN.

6. Asks the EU and Member States to use all leverage to pressure Israel to comply with ICJ orders and urge all parties to respect international law; welcomes HR/VP announcement to check Israel’s compliance with the human rights clause of the Association Agreement; calls on Member States to comply with EU Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on arms exports;

7. Welcomes the EU´s partial release of its 2024 contribution to UNRWA, recognizing its indispensable role in Gaza and the region; calls on the EU to increase aid to Gaza; urges the Commission to disburse all remaining allocations to UNRWA, including the agreed top-up; calls on Member States that suspended funding to reverse their decisions;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the concerned parties;