The Socialists and Democrats played a leading role in adopting
today a resolution by the European Parliament to condemn the
killings and the injuring of many Palestinians by the Israeli
army at the border with the Gaza Strip over the past three
weeks.
S&D Group vice-president Elena Valenciano said:
“We managed to gain a strong resolution from the European
Parliament. Using live ammunition against protestors who do not
represent an imminent threat to life or serious injury is a
crime. This why we call for independent and transparent
investigations into these events. We also stress the right of
Israel to defend its legitimate security interests while using
proportionate means.
“The protests will continue in the coming weeks. Therefore, the
priority must be to avoid any further loss of lives and the
escalation of violence. Israel must not use lethal force against
unarmed protestors, while the organisers of the demonstrations
should ensure that protests be non-violent and cannot be
exploited by Hamas or any other militant group for other means.”
S&D Group negotiator Norbert Neuser added:
“We are deeply concerned about the warning in various UN reports
that the Gaza Strip may become unliveable by 2020.
“The Israeli blockade and Hamas rule have resulted in an
unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 1.3 million people,
70% of the population, are in need of humanitarian aid. This
cannot be accepted and tolerated by the international community,
and requires immediate action.
“It is in this spirit that the resolution calls for an immediate
and unconditional end to the blockade, and applauds the work of
UNRWA.
“Terror attacks against Israel from the Gaza Strip by Hamas and
other militant groups continue. Hamas keeps the population under
pressure and curtails basic freedoms in the area. Therefore, the
return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza is a top priority.”
