From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 18, 2024
European parliament backs ceasefire resolution contingent on hostages’ release, Hamas’s ouster
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
In a resolution that showed significant support for Israel, the European Parliament calls for a permanent ceasefire after all hostages are “immediately and unconditionally released” and “the terrorist organization Hamas is dismantled.”
The resolution was adopted by 312 votes in favor, 131 against and 72 abstentions.
At the same time, the MEPs denounce “the disproportionate Israeli military response, which has caused a civilian death toll on an unprecedented scale.”
They also call for full humanitarian access throughout the Gaza Strip, and for a “European initiative to put the two-state solution back on track.” They also back the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
The MEPs say that the “occupation of the Palestinian territories” must end, while calling for terrorists to be held to account.
They also express strong support for the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice and call for “those responsible for terrorist acts and for violations of international law to be held to account.”
The Times of Israel Community.