EU Lawmakers Urge Action to Halt Israeli Atrocities in Gaza – World news

Leaders of the Left, Greens/European Free Alliance, and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats sent a joint letter on Tuesday to top EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

They condemned the EU’s complicity through silence and inaction as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza.

The letter demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and the enforcement of a full arms embargo on Israel.

It further called for targeted sanctions on Israeli officials, a ban on trade with illegal settlements, and the full restoration of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

“This situation can no longer be regarded as a mere emergency: there is clear evidence that a genocide is being committed in Gaza,” the lawmakers warned.

They said the European Commission and European Council had failed to meet their legal and moral obligations amid the mounting atrocities.

The letter also highlighted escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank and Israel’s stated plans to permanently occupy Gaza — both in blatant violation of international law.

Although the EU’s own foreign service has acknowledged that Israel violated the terms of the EU-Israel agreement, no punitive action has been taken.

“We cannot afford more delay. We cannot afford more bloodshed. History will not forgive silence in the face of mass suffering and impunity,” the signatories stressed.

Israel has waged a relentless and indiscriminate assault on Gaza since October 7, 2023, openly defying international calls for a ceasefire.

Over 61,000 Palestinians have been massacred so far, with women and children making up nearly half the casualties.

The besieged enclave now faces total devastation and famine due to Israel’s deliberate targeting of infrastructure, hospitals, and aid convoys.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Separately, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its systematic destruction of Gaza and its population.