In a key debate  MEPs and Commission representatives discuss the recent Middle East peace agreement and the role of the EU.

Welcoming the peace deal for the Middle East, Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the EU stands ready to help ensure its implementation. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of providing governance support and support for the reform of the Palestinian Authority. In a statement following his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, European Council President António Costa said the EU stands ready to participate in the International Peace Board and to support transitional governance, recovery, and reconstruction.

On 11 September 2025, MEPs adopted a resolution, stating that the creation of a Palestinian state is key to peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalisation.

Since the announcement of the peace agreement and the coming into effect of the ceasefire the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 2,000 Palestinians held by Israel. Key aspects of the peace plan, such as the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israel’s army, and the future governance of Gaza are yet to be resolved.

EP Plenary debate on the Middle East peace agreement and the role of the EU

Following the US President’s Gaza peace proposal, MEPs discuss with the Council and Commission how the EU should join in peace efforts and support the two-state solution.

US President Donald Trump announced his roadmap for peace in Gaza last Monday. It includes a plan for the release of the hostages and the demilitarisation of Hamas. EU leaders, including the European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, have welcomed the proposal.

Last month, Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation on Gaza, sounding the alarm over the catastrophic humanitarian crisis there and stressing that Israel’s right to defend itself cannot justify indiscriminate military action. MEPs also said member states should consider recognising the State of Palestine, with a view to carrying through the two-state solution.

EP Plenary debate on the EU’s role in supporting peace efforts for Gaza

MEPs and diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas discuss EU action to combat famine in Gaza and the need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution.

The debate will wrap up with a vote on a resolution on Thursday.

Parliament has called repeatedly – most recently in April – for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, including the unconditional release of all hostages, and free access and sustained distribution of humanitarian and medical assistance in the Gaza Strip. It has also expressed support for the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

Since 7 October 2023, when the Israeli military launched a campaign in response to the Hamas-led attack in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage, more than 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Global food security experts have confirmed a famine in Gaza City, due to the blockade on humanitarian help, and expect it will soon expand to other cities in the Strip.

Plenary debate on EU action to combat famine in Gaza

MEPs and the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages.

With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.” MEPs will also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region. In his statement of 1 November 2024, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasised UNRWA's life-saving work in Gaza.

MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

As Israel intensifies ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, and casualty numbers in Gaza continue to rise. In response to the conflict, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel. High Representative Borrell has emphasized the EU's commitment to prevent a regional war. MEPs have previously called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access, with reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicating that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023 due to Israel's response to the attack by Hamas.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

Plenary discusses the latest ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take a series of measures to prevent any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, after South Africa filed an application against Israel at the court in December 2023. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure  aid can reach  people in Gaza.

During the debate with the Council and the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs also discuss the  allegations  that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA ) were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. While several donor countries have suspended their UNRWA funding, the EU said it will take a decision in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and its subsequent  actions. In a statement on 29 January, the Commission said EU humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank will continue uninterrupted through partner organisations.

Plenary debate - War in Gaza

Delegation for relations with Palestine (DPAL) - Exchange of views with Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Mohammad Abdullah MUSTAFA, Palestinian Prime Minister

EP Plenary session - Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU

EP Plenary session - The EU’s role in supporting the recent peace efforts for Gaza and a two-state solution

EP Plenary session - formal sitting - Address by Maia SANDU, President of the Republic of Moldova

EP Plenary session -  Gaza at breaking point: EU action to combat famine, the urgent need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution

EP Plenary session - Dramatic situation in Gaza and the need for an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement

EP Plenary session - Deteriorating situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire

This video presents extracts from the meeting between EP President Roberta METSOLA and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Abdullah Mohammad MUSTAFA; arrival and welcome, photo opportunity and hand shake.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Mohammad Abdullah Mohammad MUSTAFA, Palestinian Prime Minister: meeting and roundtable

Closing statements by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean of the debate on the recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU.

Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU: closing statements by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean

MEPs debate on the recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU.

Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs debate on the recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU. Since the announcement of the peace agreement and the coming into effect of the ceasefire the remaining living Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for Palestinians held by Israel. Key aspects of the peace plan, such as the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israel’s army, and the future governance of Gaza are yet to be resolved.

Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs are holding a debate on the recent peace deal in the Middle East and the European Union’s role in supporting it.

Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU: MEPs debate (part 1)

This news item presents extracts from the European Parliament debate on the recent Middle East peace agreement and the role of the EU. MEPs and the European Commission discussed how the EU can help ensure the implementation of the peace deal and strengthen prospects for lasting stability in the region. Speakers underlined the Union’s steadfast support for the two-state solution and readiness to contribute to new governance arrangements, including through technical assistance, participation in the Peace Oversight Board and support for reform of the Palestinian Authority. Several interventions called for a coordinated EU strategy to deliver humanitarian aid, uphold international law and back regional partners committed to maintaining the ceasefire. The debate showed broad agreement on the need for sustained international engagement and a strong EU role in supporting peace, recovery and governance in the Middle East.

Recent peace agreement in the Middle East: extracts from the debate

Opening statements by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean of the debate on the recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU. Welcoming the peace deal for the Middle East, Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the EU stands ready to help ensure its implementation. On 11 September 2025, MEPs adopted a resolution, stating that the creation of a Palestinian state is key to peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalisation. Since the announcement of the peace agreement and the coming into effect of the ceasefire the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 2,000 Palestinians held by Israel. Key aspects of the peace plan, such as the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israel’s army, and the future governance of Gaza are yet to be resolved.

Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU: Opening statement by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean

This infoclip presents some footage of Journalists and Humanitarian Aid Workers in Palestine and all conflict zones, represented by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the Red Crescent, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Gaza is identified as the world's deadliest region for journalism, with a high number of Palestinian journalists killed. Humanitarian workers have also endured significant losses during the conflict, with deadly attacks affecting organisations such as the PRCS and UNRWA. The material is offered for editorial use only, for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the Sakharov Prize 2025. No use after December 31st, 2025. No archive. User is prohibited from stripping the AFPTV material from the program initially produced to create a new program. No sublicensing to third parties. For any other uses, please contact AFP – www.afp.com Copyright: © PRCS, 2025

Infoclip: Sakharov Prize 2025 finalists - Journalists and Humanitarian Aid Workers in Palestine and all conflict zones, represented by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the Red Crescent, and UNRWA

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