Brussels (Brussels Morning) – European Parliament, represented by Roberta Metsola, supports the UN Security Council’s resolution for the Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing peace as paramount.
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola spoke on behalf of the European Parliament, stating that it “welcomes” the UN Security Council resolution urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“We welcome today’s UNSC Resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and more aid in Gaza. This is a significant step forward, it follows the European Parliament’s January resolution and is the only way forward for peace,” Metsola reported on X.
Moreover, At the European Council meeting on 21-22 March, EU leaders assumed conclusions on several aspects of the Middle East situation. With regard to the humanitarian situation, they stated that they were ‘ appalled by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives and the critical humanitarian concern ‘ and called for ‘an immediate humanitarian pause guiding to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional freedom of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance.’
EU leaders are extremely concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its disproportionate effect on civilians, especially children, as well as the imminent risk of famine. They are called for full, quick, safe and unhindered humanitarian entry into and throughout the Gaza Strip via all routes, which is necessary to provide the civilian population with life-saving assistance and basic services at scale.
They welcomed the Amalthea endeavour to open a maritime route for emergency help from Cyprus to Gaza, which supplements land highways that remain the main way of providing the volumes needed. They also made it obvious that additional land routes and crossings were needed.
They also repeated their previous conclusions condemning Hamas in the most powerful possible terms for its fierce and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on October 7, 2023, recognizing Israel’s right to protect itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law, and calling for the quick release of all hostages without any precondition.
The leaders said that the safety and well-being of the hostages was of grave concern, and called on the Council to accelerate work on the adoption of further relevant restrictive measures against Hamas.
In their decisions, EU heads also called for immediate measures to contain further population displacement and provide safe shelter to the population. They urged the Israeli government not to launch a ground operation in Rafah. They underlined that all players must respect international law, including international humanitarian regulation and international human rights law.
The council also emphasized their permission for independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence. They stressed that the services UNRWA supplies in Gaza and across the region are important. Leaders also welcomed the launch of a UN internal examination and external review following the severe allegations against 12 UNRWA staff about their alleged participation in the 7 October terrorist aggression.
In light of Roberta Metsola’s endorsement of the UN Security Council’s Gaza ceasefire resolution, the European Parliament aligns with EU leaders in urging humanitarian aid and immediate measures to address the crisis. The European Council’s strong stance reflects deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a sustainable ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, and the release of hostages. Additionally, the condemnation of terrorist attacks and calls for adherence to international law underscore the commitment to peace and stability in the region.
