Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 - Strasbourg

Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU (debate)

  Matjaž Nemec (S&D). – Madam President, dear colleagues, the eyes of the world must not turn from Palestine. The promise of the ceasefire in Gaza has been broken at least 80 times, at a cost of lives, hopes, and in law itself.

We need more than pauses in violence; we need an end of the occupation and all hostilities, including in the West Bank. Those responsible for the genocide and war crimes must be brought to justice in-line with international law. Accountability is non-negotiable – sanctions must be imposed. Lasting and just peace can only be built on the foundation of justice. Urgent humanitarian aid must flow. The crossing must be open and the medical workers and journalists protected. We must protect the very lifeline that keeps children alive and gives families hope, such as UNWRA.

Let us choose courage over cruelty, law over impunity, and a future where every child, Israeli and Palestinian, can grow up free from fear. The time to act is now.