Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024

Tabled by Özlem Demirel, Marc Botenga, Marina Mesure, Anthony Smith, Emma Fourreau

… on 7 October 2023, which contributed to further destabilisation in the Middle Removed: East, intensified by aggressions against Israel by Iranian proxies (such as terrorist organisations including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen) and the Iranian regime itself; reiterates that Israel has the right to defend itself, as enshrined in and constrained by international law; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas; calls for all parties to put an immediate end to all hostilities and fully abide by international law, including international humanitarian law; welcomes the recent Added: East; condemns the indiscriminate bombing by Israel of Gaza and the deliberate targeting of UN workers, journalists, doctors and all civilians; underlines that the bombing and blockade of Gaza and other attacks by Israeli forces on civilian populations have to be seen as collective punishments and indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, which are considered to indicate a danger of genocidal acts by the International Court of Justice in its urgent rulings on South Africa’s lawsuit under the Genocide Convention; condemns the Israeli military actions in the West Bank, the forced displacement of Palestinians from Tulkarm and Jenin; condemns and strongly rejects the announcements and plans by US President Donald Trump concerning the future of Gaza; recalls that the forced displacement of the Palestinian population from Gaza would violate international law and would constitute ethnic cleansing; calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Removed: the progress made towards the phased release of hostages; emphasising that this represents a significant step in relieving the immense suffering endured by civilians on both sides over the past months; praises the commitment of mediators, including the United States, Egypt and Qatar, whose efforts were pivotal in achieving this breakthrough; Added: Lebanon, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli troops; considers that it is crucial that all obligations made under the deal … allowing unrestrained access of humanitarian and medical assistance to the Gaza Strip; Removed: calls for all parties to fully commit to their obligations and to prioritise the protection of civilians; urges all European and international actors to actively oversee the implementation of the ceasefire and hold accountable those who fail to comply with it; Added: calls for the Member States to immediately stop arms exports to Israel in line with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP; recalls that there will be no military solution to the complex Middle East conflict and that there can only be a solution if the legitimate interests of Israelis and Palestinians are guaranteed and if both Israel and Palestine have a right to self-determination in their own state;

Wording as published by the EP, in English. PE769.721v01-00