18
Oct
2023
Watch
The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza (debate)
Mr. President, my first words are to unequivocally condemn Hamas' acts of terror and to call immediately for the release of the victims, those still abducted by the organization. Secondly, and it must be said unequivocally, the punishments that Israel is inflicting on the Gaza Strip are collective punishments constituting war crimes. Cutting off water, electricity and electricity to two million people is prohibited by international law and must be denounced by the European Union. Just as we have to call for a thorough investigation into what was committed yesterday – a terrible thing – in the hospital in Gaza. I would like to thank the High Representative, in a very clear way, for demanding compliance with international law and humanitarian law. I did not understand the trip of the President of the European Commission and the President of this Parliament. In whose name were they talking? Who gave them a mandate to go there? On behalf of millions of Europeans who are calling for a just peace for Israelis and Palestinians, they certainly did not speak out. And, of course, what I also have to say is that now is the time to take advantage of the window of opportunity to be able to move forward on a ceasefire that is urgent; and to resume peace talks leading to the constitution of two states, which we know is the only viable solution to this conflict.