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

B90192/2024

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 the Rules of Procedure

A. whereas on 7 October 2023 the terrorist organisation Hamas launched a massive, unprovoked, brutal attack against Israel, killing more than 1,200 persons, injuring thousands and abducting 240 people; whereas the despicable attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, considered the most serious one suffered by the country since its foundation, is the cause of a armed conflict currently affecting the region;

B. whereas more than 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza in terrible conditions;

C. whereas there are serious allegations of Hamas stealing and destroying humanitarian aid such as food sent to the Palestinians in Gaza;

D. whereas there is a desperate situation of food insecurity and impending famine in Gaza; whereas according to WHO, almost 16% of children in Gaza are already suffering from acute malnutrition; whereas Palestinians face terrible conditions putting their lives at risk because of lack of access to sufficient food and other basic needs; whereas humanitarian food assistance is now nearly the sole source of subsistence since the people in Gaza are unable to rely on markets and other usual sources of food;

E. While over 100 trucks a day of humanitarian assistance are now being distributed to those in need but this level is still significantly below the levels needed to meet minimum requirements to avert famine;

F. whereas on 29 February more than a hundred Palestinians died and many other were wounded while waiting for humanitarian aid in trucks near Gaza, under Israeli military control; whereas there is an urgent need for the entry of essential goods and there is lack of open access points at the borders;

1. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric terrorist attacks committed by Hamas against Israel and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages;

2. Calls on both Israel and Hamas to ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian law, to fully cooperate with the UN agencies and other humanitarian actors and to allow free, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access through all crossing points and continue opening humanitarian corridors for the civilian population;

3. Demands the immediate restoration of vital infrastructure to prevent a worsening of the catastrophic famine and food insecurity situation; reiterates that every effort must be made to prevent further loss of innocent civilian lives;

4. Welcomes international efforts to establish a comprehensive aid strategy that includes air, land, and sea routes to maximize the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure that aid is distributed to everyone in need;

5. Calls on Israel to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law, and to comply with UNSC resolution 2712 demanding the use of “all available routes to and throughout the entire Gaza Strip” to facilitate aid delivery;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Government of Israel.