MEPS IN Strasbourg will vote today on a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The 1,000-word resolution calls on Israel to fulfil its obligations under international law, and on Hamas to end rocket attacks and commit itself to the political process.
The resolution, drafted by the Socialist group (PES), of which Labour Party MEP Proinsias De Rossa is a member, expresses shock at the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza, and “strongly requests” the Israeli authorities to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance and aid to the Gaza Strip. It also calls for a stronger and united political role for the EU. However, it does not call for trade sanctions or the suspension of the EU Israel Association Agreement.
Seán Ó Neachtain (Fianna Fáil), MEP for Connacht-Ulster, said anyone who believes a military solution can work to solve the problems of the Middle East is deluding themself. The attacks Israel unleashed in Gaza were not only disproportionate, they were wrong and the international community must not and cannot tolerate them, he said.
Fine Gael Dublin MEP Gay Mitchell urged the commission and council to ensure a total aid package is ready as soon as possible. Ireland South MEP Kathy Sinnott (Ind) called on parliament to introduce a trade embargo on Israel until it ended its violence.
However, Northern Ireland MEP Jim Allister complained of the “bleating” of Hamas following the Israeli attacks. He said Israel had fought back after much forbearance. “I know Hamas, like the IRA in my country, are the masters of the twin skills of terrorism and propaganda,” he said.
Mr De Rossa said the bombing had to be stopped, whether it was coming from Hamas or Israel. He said, before the most recent attack, Gaza was “the largest prison in the world” but in the last three weeks had become “a slaughterhouse”. He said there should be no upgrading of the relationship between the EU and Israel until the bombings had stopped.
“The horror and destruction of Gaza gets worse every day,” auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Most Rev Ray Field said yesterday from Bethlehem’s Manger Square.
The bishop, who is chairman of the Irish Commission for Justice and Social Affairs, is on a visit to the Holy Land as part of a Catholic Church delegation from Europe and North America Christians. The people of Gaza “are convinced that the violence and killing must stop, and that there is a duty and responsibility on their leaders to engage in meaningful negotiation which respects difference”, he said.