MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Gaza

20.11.2012 - (2012/2883(RSP))

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Joseph Daul, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Ioannis Kasoulides, Elmar Brok, Cristian Dan Preda, Roberta Angelilli, Elena Băsescu on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0522/2012

B7‑0522/2012

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Gaza

(2012/2883(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the statements by High Representative Catherine Ashton of 12 November 2012 on the latest escalation of violence between Gaza and Israel, and of 16 November 2012 on the further escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza,

–   having regard to the Council conclusions of 19 November 2012 on Gaza,

–   having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

1.  Fully endorses the statements by High Representative Catherine Ashton of 12 November 2012 and 16 November 2012 and the Council conclusions of 19 November 2012;

2.  Expresses grave concern about the situation in Gaza and Israel and considers deeply regrettable the loss of civilian life, including among women and children; stresses that all attacks must end immediately as they cause unjustifiable suffering among innocent civilians, and calls for an urgent de-escalation and cessation of hostilities; supports the efforts of Egypt and other actors to mediate for a rapid, sustainable ceasefire and welcomes the mission of the United Nations Secretary-General to the region;

3.  Strongly condemns the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, which Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza must cease immediately; stresses that there can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, and that Israel has the right to protect its population from these kinds of attacks, while pointing out that, in doing so, it must act proportionately and ensure the protection of civilians at all times; stresses the need for all sides fully to respect international humanitarian law;

4.  Stresses that an immediate cessation of hostilities is in everyone’s interest, particularly at a time of instability in the region, and that the current situation underlines once more the urgent need to move towards a two-state solution allowing both sides to live side by side in peace and security; welcomes the fact that the European Union will continue working with all those with influence in the region in order to bring this about;

5.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice‑President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the UN Secretary-General, the governments and parliaments of the member states of the UN Security Council, the Middle East Quartet Envoy, the Government of Egypt, the Knesset and the Government of Israel, the President of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Legislative Council.