On the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation
B-9-2024-0071
on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Hilde Vautmans, Sylvie Brunet, Christophe Grudler, Bernard Guetta, Nathalie Loiseau, Karen Melchior, Dragoş Pîslaru, Samira Rafaela, Ramona Strugariu, Dragoş Tudorache, Salima Yenbou
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A resolution tabled by the Renew Group on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need for a ceasefire and the risk of wider regional escalation. It calls for a permanent ceasefire, a negotiated two-state solution and a European initiative to relaunch the peace process.¶¶¶ It urges Israel to allow continuous humanitarian aid into Gaza and demands the restoration of vital infrastructure. It calls for the release of all hostages and for justice for crimes committed by all parties.¶¶¶ It asks the VP/HR to prevent regional escalation, to set up sanctions against violent settlers, and to support de-escalation with Lebanon and a response to Houthi attacks on shipping.¶¶¶
Key points
- Underlines the need for a permanent ceasefire and restates support for a negotiated two-state solution on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.¶
- Encourages the European External Action Service and member states to draw up a European initiative to put the two-state solution back on track and welcomes the Peace Day Effort.¶
- Reiterates support for the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and for normalisation of relations between Israel and all Arab states, with the full inclusion of the Palestinian Authority.¶¶
- Urges Israel to ensure continuous access of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including fuel, food, water, medical supplies and shelter, and demands immediate restoration of vital infrastructure.¶
- Insists EU development assistance to the Palestinian Authority must not be interrupted, welcomes the appointment of Sigrid Kaag as Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, and encourages member states to treat wounded Palestinian civilians.¶
- Supports the International Criminal Court's work on crimes by all parties, demands justice for Hamas's victims, and takes note of South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.¶
- Is concerned about forcible displacements of Palestinians and urges the VP/HR to set up a sanctions regime against individual violent settlers and entities responsible for settlers' outposts.¶
- Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages taken by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and for the return of the bodies of deceased hostages.¶
- Asks the VP/HR to prevent an escalation in the wider region and to work on a credible post-war plan with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the Arab states.¶
- Supports an increased role for the EU Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support and the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point in delivering aid and preparing the Palestinian Authority's return to Gaza.¶
- Condemns Hezbollah strikes and Iranian rockets against Israel, urges the VP/HR to support diplomatic efforts on Lebanon, calls for restraint and de-escalation, and recalls that all armed groups including Hezbollah must disarm.¶¶¶
- Condemns Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, calls for the release of the Galaxy Leader crew, urges a strong EU response to protect passage rights, and calls for pressure to stop funding of Hezbollah.¶¶¶
Who is affected
- Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, who face displacement, hunger and settler violence.¶¶¶
- Israeli authorities, urged to allow aid into Gaza and to restore vital infrastructure.¶
- The VP/HR, asked to act on escalation, sanctions on settlers, Lebanon diplomacy and shipping protection.¶¶¶
- EU member states, encouraged to support a European initiative and to treat wounded Palestinian civilians.¶¶
- The Palestinian Authority, whose inclusion in normalisation and return to Gaza are called for.¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- 1 139 Israeli and foreign citizens murdered on 7 October, including 36 children.¶
- More than 100 hostages and captives still held in Gaza.
- Over 23 000 people killed in Gaza, including 8 000 children, 60 000 wounded and almost two million displaced.¶
- 30 % of all civilian infrastructure destroyed; only two pipelines reopened in December.
- Over 140 UN staff killed; at least 79 journalists and media workers killed, including 18 while working; over 600 medical workers and patients killed; over 370 schools damaged.¶
- 100 % of Gaza's population in acute food insecurity, 50 % experiencing extreme lack of food and starvation, 26 % catastrophic hunger and starvation.¶
- At least 330 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since 7 October 2023.¶
- Egypt's plan proposes a renewable two-week truce to exchange 40 Israeli hostages for 120 Palestinian prisoners.¶