This news item shows extracts from the MEPs debate on the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel's right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Parliament advocates peace in the territory. Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, José Manuel ALBARES BUENO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, give a statement during the debate.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - Israel (T)

EU - Palestine (T)

WEBER, Manfred (EPP, DE)

LAMBERTS, Philippe (Greens/EFA, BE)

fight against terrorism (T)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

GARCÍA PÉREZ, Iratxe (S&D, ES)

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC)

AUBRY, Manon (The Left, FR)

SÉJOURNÉ, Stéphane (Renew, FR)

VON DER LEYEN, Ursula (DE, EC)

ALBARES, José Manuel (ES)

Situation in the Middle East (T)

The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel's right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza: extracts from the debate

External shot of the European Parliament in Strasbourg

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Al Ahli Arab Baptiste Hospital in Gaza was bombed and hundreds of innocent lives were lost. The devastation of the hospital is horrific and unjustifiable, and we must ensure we continue to shed light on what happened. As the tragedy in the Middle East continues to unfold, it has once again and the innocent were forced to pay the price. We must remain clear that protecting civilian lives must keep being a priority. We cannot lose sight of the humanitarian consequences. This has always been our core message. So this House remembers the victims as we keep pushing for a way forward in the region.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Jos&eacute; Manuel ALBARES, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, We need to allow humanitarian access to Gaza. We need to ensure basic supplies for the population water, electricity, food, medicines.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and VP of the European Commission, We condemn these terrible terrorist attacks, but we also have to condemn the civilian victims that we have in Gaza now. But around 3000 of them, because condemning one tragedy shouldn't prevent us speaking out against another.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, A hospital in Gaza sheltering hundreds of wounded people was turned into a hail of fire. The scenes from Al Ahli Hospital are horrifying and distress. There is no excuse for hitting a hospital full of civilians. All facts need to be established and those responsible must be held accountable. In this tragic hour, we must all redouble our efforts to protect civilians from the fury of this war.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, This horror calls for a united response from us as human beings, as defenders of a free world, as Europeans hate, terror and racism have no place. Europe stands with Israel in this dark moment.  <p></p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, Humanitarian aid must urgently reach Palestinians. This is why we have decided to immediately triple our humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. And we have launched an EU humanitarian airbridge to Egypt to bring lifesaving supplies to humanitarian organisations on the ground in Gaza.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), Chair of EPP, It's a moment when we are tested. And I tell you, these terrorists made the same fatal mistake like all terrorists do. They underestimate the power of democracy and the will to defend freedom. Colleagues, these are days of mourning for the victims and hope for those still in the hand of Hamas. But these must also be the days of firm determination. We must be crystal clear. We stand with Israel. No hesitation. No excuses. No buts.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Iraxte GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), Chair of S&amp;D, The responsibility of the European Union as a power that exports peace is to act together, to contribute to a peaceful and fair solution. Although that may impossible now, we need to build a free Middle East without hate. A middle East where walls are taken down and where weapons fall silent. We need schools, hospitals, housing.

SOUNDBITE (French), St&eacute;phane S&Eacute;JOURN&Eacute; (Renew, FR), Chair of Renew Europe, As you have said, it is important to look at how this affects our society. There's a temptation at the extremes. Our responsibility as Europeans is to have clear words which are in line with our values and our responsibilities. The resolution that we're going to vote on has to be in line with the gravity of these challenges.

SOUNDBITE (English), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Co-Chair, The European Union must stand united in calling for an immediate ceasefire so as to allow the creation of humanitarian corridors and the safe return and unconditional return of hostages. We must be unanimous in all efforts to demand respect of international humanitarian law by all actors. We must collectively step up all efforts to relaunch a political process that will make a two state solution viable. There is no other choice.

SOUNDBITE (French), Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR), Co-Chair, You have one responsibility, which is to fly the flame of peace and say that every life counts. But you did not do that worse when you went to Israel, you usurped the European voice and gave a support to the acts. Look, the legitimate defence is not a right to jump an attack and you cannot have a collective punishment of citizens for crimes they have not committed. They are not cannon fodder.