76 MEPs call for Gaza ‘immediate ceasefire’ in letter to EU chiefs

Seventy-six Members of the European Parliament sent a letter to EU Commission and Council leaders on Thursday to push for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza to allow humanitarian access, ahead of the EU countries’ stance agreement.

EU countries’ heads of state meet on 26 and 27 October to discuss Ukraine, the Middle East, the new EU budget and migration. The most awaited conclusion remained a common stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict after continuous mixed signals by the EU institutions. After division among member states for the exact wording, they reached a final agreement on Thursday calling for ‘pauses for humanitarian needs’.

Ahead of the final agreement, 76 Members of the European Parliament sent a letter on Thursday to the chiefs of the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, diplomacy chief Josep Borrell, and European Council President Charles Michel.

The letter has been signed by lawmakers from the Green/EFA group (32), S&D (13), Renew Europe (9), The Left (16), and non-inscrits (6). Together, they only make up around 10% of the total seats and 21% of those held by progressive forces.

“We are addressing you by means of this urgent letter in order to express our utmost concern regarding the unfolding humanitarian situation in Gaza, and call on your responsibility to undertake urgent EU action in order to prevent a catastrophe,” the letter starts.

On 19 October, the EU Parliament issued a resolution signed by 500 MEPs calling for a “humanitarian pause,” but the signing MEPs have gone a step further and demanded an “immediate ceasefire.”

The letter also calls for the “lifting of the total siege,” and “unimpeded humanitarian access” to Gaza.

“We, the undersigning Members of the European Parliament, count on you as EU representatives, to undertake decisive action to protect human lives and international humanitarian law,” the letter concludes.

(Max Griera | Euractiv.com)