During the plenary session, MEPs discuss the recent unrest and violence between Israel and Palestine The last days have been witness to some of the worst clashes between the Israeli and Palestinian sides in years. Statements by Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Pedro MARQUES (S&D, PT), and Hilde VAUTMANS (Renew, BE).

Brussels

statement

debate

plenary session

EU - Israel (T)

EU - Palestine (T)

VAUTMANS, Hilde (Renew, BE)

McALLISTER, David (EPP, DE)

peace process in the Middle East (T)

MARQUES, Pedro (S&D, PT)

SANTOS SILVA, Augusto (PT)

EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: extracts from the debate

Title: EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, The fighting must stop. It must stop immediately. The high representative has been active in calling for restraint and responsible acting. He spoke with President Abbas and to the Israeli foreign minister, Gabi Ashkenazi. He has also spoken with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, as well as yesterday with United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA,  Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, <p>The EU has condemned the indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli civilians.It is unacceptable and must stop. We understand Israel is right to protect its civilian population. Nevertheless, we expect its response to be proportionate with maximum restraint in the use of force.</p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA, The situation with regard to the eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and other areas of East Jerusalem also remains of serious concern. It is vital that Israel does not allow them to be carried out.

SOUNDBITE (English), Augusto SANTOS SILVA,  Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, All sides must uphold international humanitarian law and provide for full humanitarian access. And all efforts should be directed at avoiding further civilian casualties and preventing the alarming loss of life. We have seen thus far.

SOUNDBITE (English), David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), MEP 8 - 9th parliamentary terms, The rocket attacks by the terror organisation Hamas have no justification and put the lives of innocent people at great risk. They must stop immediately. Israel has a right and Israel has a duty to defend its citizens against terror attacks. I call on the Israeli government to act with restraint and to do its utmost to avoid civilian casualties. 

SOUNDBITE (English), David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), MEP 8 - 9th parliamentary terms, The European Union is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to help diffuse the violence. We should pursue close dialogue with the United States, but also with partners like Egypt and Jordan on an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

SOUNDBITE (English), Pedro MARQUES (S&amp;D, PT), MEP 9th parliamentary term, We strongly condemn all acts of violence and call on both sides to avoid any further loss of lives. But we cannot forget the source of this new round of violence. It the increasing number of demolitions, of evictions, of forced displacement of Palestinians, including in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood.

SOUNDBITE (Dutch), Hilde VAUTMANS (Renew, BE), MEP 8 - 9th parliamentary terms, This is a vicious circle of hate and violence, and we have to break through that. And that is why I want to say very clearly that we have to get to work on a new and Oslo two agreement .