S&Ds call for an immediate end to violence in Southern Israel and the Gaza Strip

 

Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are deeply concerned about renewed violence in Southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, and express their condolences and sympathy to the families of killed and wounded civilians, including women and children.

Hannes Swoboda, S&D Group president, said:

 

„There is a high risk of further escalation of this crisis, which would only bring more suffering to both Israelis and Palestinians. Therefore, we call on all parties to put an immediate end to violence and to avoid any further loss of life.

 

„The S&D group fully supports the initiative of the Egyptian President to restore a situation of non-war. But we must reach peace. Again, especially after my recent talks in Cairo, I am convinced that Egypt must be given a chance to help the region to go towards sustainable peace.“

 

Said S&D Vice President Véronique De Keyser:

 

„We condemn both the firing of rockets into Southern Israel from the Gaza Strip and extrajudicial targeted killings by the Israeli army, which have resulted in a new cycle and spiral of violence.

 

„Civilians in Southern Israel and the Gaza Strip are becoming again hostages and victims of politically driven violence, which is unacceptable.

 

„In the light of the coming vote on the recognition of Palestinian statehood in the UN General Assembly, we continue to support the policy of non-violence of President Abbas and his initiatives taken in this spirit.“