Situation in Gaza – Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly declaration/Non-UN document

---

Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights

DECLARATION ON THE SITUATION IN GAZA

During its meeting of 28 January, the Political Committee of the Euro Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) expressed its deep concerns about recent events in Gaza and at the border crossing with Egypt, following the destruction of part of that border, due to the extremely grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to the Palestinian population claiming its basic right for freedom of movement.

It seems clear to the Committee that the policy of isoation of Gaza has failed both at the political and at the humanitarian level.

The Political Committee calls on all parties to fully respect international legitimacy and international humanitarian rights and to immediately cease any action which endangers civilians lives, and, in particular:

– calls on Israel to urgently cease any military action which could endanger the life of civilians and to immediately lift its blockade in order to allow both the supply of the Gaza strip and the free movement of people and goods;

– at the same time, calls on Hamas to put an immediate stop to the shooting of rockets at Israeli civilians.

The Political Committee welcomes and supports the efforts of the Egyptian government faced with this critical situation. It encourages the European Union, in cooperation with Palestine, Israel and Egypt, to continue efforts to guarantee that the Rafah crossing point is kept open.

The Political Committee proposes that the EMPA Bureau envisages the possibility of sending a fact finding delegation to Gaza, and to the Israeli border towns, which would then report back to the Assembly.

The Political Committee is convinced that a lasting solution to the crisis in Gaza would be a major contributing factor to a committed peace process.

*****************

Chair of the EMPA Political Committee: Ms Tokia SAIFI (EPP-DE, F) For further information: 0032 2 284 75 62