The European Parliament, in its resolution on the situation in the Middle East, condemns the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, while expressing serious concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

In the resolution adopted today in the Plenary in Strasbourg, with 500 votes in favor, 21 against and 24 abstentions, the EP unequivocally condemns the brutal attacks, expresses his support for Israel and to his people and underlines “that the terrorist organization Hamas must be eliminated».

In addition, the EC calls for the immediate release of all hostages kidnapped by Hamas and recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense “as guaranteed and limited by international law.” It is also pointed out that both the Hamas attacks and the Israeli reaction risk reinforcing a cycle of violence in the region. Hence, MEPs call for a “humanitarian pause” in the hostilities and stress that the attack on civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes a serious violation of international law.

At the same time, MEPs express the deep mourning them for the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and for those injured in the recent blast at hospital Al Ahli at Gauze. The resolution calls for an independent investigation under international law to determine whether this was a deliberate attack and a war crime.as well as, if this is proven, those responsible to be held accountable.

Expressing serious concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, VolEP stresses the importance of differentiating between the Palestinian people and their legitimate expectations on the one hand and the terrorist organization Hamas on the otherMEPs call on the international community to continue and increase its humanitarian aid to the civilian population of the region. They call on Egypt and Israel to work with the international community to establish humanitarian corridors to the Gaza Strip.

The resolution unequivocally condemns Iran’s support for Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip. MEPs reiterate call for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon’s Hezbollah to be listed as EU terrorist organizations and are calling for investigations into the role of Iran and countries such as Qatar and Russia in financing and supporting terrorism in the region.

They also denounce rocket attacks from Lebanon and Syria on Israel and call for a de-escalation of tensions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Expressing strong support for increased humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, MEPs urge the Commission to thoroughly review all EU financial aid to Palestine and the wider region to ensure that the EU does not directly or indirectly fund terrorism. At the same time, they underline that the EU budget must continue to provide support for building peace and stability in the region.

Stressing the need for the immediate resumption of the peace process, the resolution reiterates its unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution based on the 1967 bordersin which two sovereign, democratic states coexist side by side under conditions of peace and guaranteed security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states and in full respect of international law.

Finally, the EP expresses its concern at the increase in anti-Semitic speeches, rallies and attacks against Jews since the beginning of the terrorist attacks by Hamas. It calls on the Commission and all EU countries to take all appropriate measures to guarantee the safety of Jewish citizens.