On the immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries

B90187/2024

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

(2024/2616(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– 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;

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;

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;

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

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

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;

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

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;

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;

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 ;

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

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;