The European Parliament welcomed the creation of maritime humanitarian corridors to the Gaza Strip, but stressed that priority should be given to land distribution, and urged the Israeli authorities to open the Rafah, Kerem Shalom, Karmi and Erez crossings, in a resolution adopted by the Plenary in Strasbourg on Thursday.
The resolution, adopted with 372 votes in favour, 44 against and 120 abstentions, points out the desperate food insecurity affecting Gaza and the danger of impending starvation. Also, in addition to opening land crossings for humanitarian aid, MEPs underline that all parties must immediately cease attacks against humanitarian convoys and civilians seeking aid, and demand an independent international investigation into the attacks.
MEPs call on Israel to immediately allow and facilitate full aid delivery into and throughout Gaza via all existing crossings and underline the urgent need for rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
They reiterate their call for an immediate and permane
nt ceasefire to address the looming risk of mass starvation in Gaza and to immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.
Regarding Hamas, the MEPs point out that there can be no prospect of peace in Gaza or between Israel and Palestinians as long as Hamas has any role in Gaza. At the same time, the European Parliament condemns the rise in extremist settler violence and deadly attacks by the Israeli armed forces in the West Bank, and also condemns the acceleration of illegal settlements.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
