After the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on the 11th May 2022, MEPs approved a new item to the plenary's agenda in Brussels. Commissionner Olivér VÁRHELYI, and MEPs condamn the killing and call for an independant investigation.

debate

plenary session

EU - Israel (T)

EU - Palestine (T)

VAUTMANS, Hilde (Renew, BE)

GARCÍA PÉREZ, Iratxe (S&D, ES)

freedom of press and media (T)

SOLÉ, Jordi (Greens/EFA, ES)

VÁRHELYI, Olivér (HU, EC)

LEXMANN, Miriam (EPP, SK, EPP, SK)

The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the violent incidents at her funeral: extracts from the debate

Title: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the violent incidents at her funeral: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Oliv&#233;r V&#193;RHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Dear President, honorable members. The EU has called for a thorough and independent investigation clarifying the circumstances that led to her death. It is essential that this investigation clarifies all the circumstances of these incidents and as soon as possible and that those responsible are brought to justice.

SOUNDBITE (English), Oliv&eacute;r V&Aacute;RHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, It is unacceptable to target journalists why they perform their jobs. Journalists covering conflict situations must be ensured safety and protection at all times.

SOUNDBITE (English), Oliv&eacute;r V&Aacute;RHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, - The European Union is appalled by the events that took place during the funeral procession. The EU condemned this disproportionate use of force and the disrespectful behaviour.

SOUNDBITE (English), Miriam LEXMANN (EPP, SK) - The tragic death of Sharin Abu Akela is a sad reminder of the spiral of violence taking place that continues to hunt this region. That is why we must seek the truth by supporting a joint enquiry rather than fuel any flames of hate and violence.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Iratxe GARC&#205;A P&#201;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), We need to call for a rapid, international, impartial investigation to clarify all of the circumstances under which this terrible act was committed. It's also vital that the same violent the violent actions in her funeral, at her funeral, investigate in the same way, because we saw the Israeli security forces attacking with weapons. The mourners at the funeral. Nobody should be treated in this inhumane way at a funeral. A funeral of a friend or a family member is against the human dignity and the religious freedom. So there is increasing tension in Israel and there seems to be a total lack of progress in the peace process since Israel was created in the Palestinian lands or occupied.

SOUNDBITE (English), Hilde VAUTMANS (Renew, BE), Apart from the shock, I'm also angry, angry about the fact that too often we here in Europe look away when the spiral of violence continues, when new settlements plans are announced, or when another journalist gets killed or wounded. We all agree that we must tackle the root causes of this conflict. So let's get to work and play a role. Shereen was called The Voice of Palestine. Let us now commit to be the voice of Shireen. We have neglected the conflict too long. We must put new energy in bringing lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jordi SOL&#201; (Greens/EFA, ES), I call on the EU to go beyond a statement of condemnation. We cannot be a passive bystander in front of such crimes. This attack happens in a context of growing tensions and violence with terrorist attacks in Israeli cities, increased settler violence around the settlements, clashes at the holy sites in Jerusalem during the Ramadan, forced evictions and demolitions in the West Bank, including of EU funded projects. Until when? This has to go on. Enough is enough.