During the EP plenary session (28-31 May 2018) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate the situation in the Gaza strip and the status of Jerusalem. Statements by Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), Elena VALENCIANO (S&D, ES) and Keith TAYLOR (Greens/EFA, UK).

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - Israel (T)

EU - Palestine (T)

VALENCIANO, Elena (S&D, ES)

PREDA, Cristian Dan (EPP, RO)

HAHN, Johannes (AT, EC)

TAYLOR, Keith (Greens/EFA, UK)

Situation in Gaza strip and the status of Jerusalem: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, <p>Israel has the right to defend its legitimate security interest and its sovereignty, but every response should be proportionate.</p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, The Palestinians have the full right to protest peacefully, at the same time we have also stressed that Hamas and those leading demonstrations in Gaza must ensure that they remain strictly non-violent and they must not exploit the protests for other means.

SOUNDBITE (English), Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Our judgements should always be defined by facts not emotions, this is why we have said since the beginning that an independent and transparent investigation is needed to shed light on events and possible violations by all parties. The priority right now is for all parties to avoid any actions that could spark new violence and lead to further loss of life.

SOUNDBITE (French), Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), We&rsquo;ve clearly said that the demonstrations started on the 30 of March are orchestrated by Hamas, a recognised terrorist organisation in Europe. Today there&rsquo;s been 30 rockets shot at Israel by Hamas. About 50 people shot by Israel have been acknowledged as Hamas agents by Hamas and congratulated for their violent part in the process. Terrorist acts have to be rejected and condemned as incompatible with the Two States solution.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Elena VALENCIANO (S&amp;D, ES), Gaza is living a total inhumane situation and Israel, of course, has the right to security, Israel is a country friend of ours, but the government of Netanyahu is clearly not meeting part of the agreement which Israel has subscribed with the EU and we would like the European Commission to assess the situation, see if the human rights clause is being adhered to by Israel, because if not, then the EU has to raise its voice.

SOUNDBITE (English), Keith TAYLOR (Greens/EFA, UK), I would like to say our Vice President: flex some economic muscles in review of the EU-Israel association agreement because it is not unreasonable for us to expect the people that we trade with act responsibly, proportionally and within the law.