In a joint statement, seven European countries, including Spain, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia, called on the Israeli government to lift the full blockade imposed on Gaza since last March.
Silence is unacceptable to the disaster
European leaders said: “I will not remain silent in front of the human catastrophe that a person makes and occurs in front of our eyes.” Noting that more than 50 thousand men, women and children have lost their lives in Gaza, warning that more may die in the coming days and weeks unless an immediate action is taken.
An invitation to stop military operations
The statement called on Israel to immediately stop the military operations and lift the siege completely, while ensuring the distribution of humanitarian aid safely and quickly through international organizations, led by the United Nations and UNRWA, in line with humanitarian principles.
Urging the parties to negotiate
The seven countries called on all parties to the urgent engagement and an honest structure in the ceasefire negotiations and the liberation of the hostages, praising the role that the United States, Egypt and Qatar plays in this framework.
Peace is the only way
European leaders affirmed their support for the right of the Palestinian people to self -determination, stressing that a fair and comprehensive peace can only be achieved on the basis of a two -state solution and according to international law, with the participation of the United Nations, the League of Arab States and Islamic countries.
A condemnation of any demographic change
With regard to the West Bank and Jerusalem, the statement condemned the increasing violence of settlers, settlement expansion and intensive military operations, stressing that the forced displacement of the Palestinians or any attempts to change the demographics constitute a clear violation of international law.
A last call
The leaders concluded their statement by stressing the need for the international community to assume responsibility for stopping this destruction, and working for a sustainable peace that restores security for all the peoples of the region.
