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Teisipäev, 11. juuli 2023 - Strasbourg

15. Suhted Palestiina omavalitsusega (arutelu)

  Sēdes vadītājs. – Nākamais darba kārtības punkts ir debates par Evin Incir ziņojumu Ārlietu komitejas vārdā par Eiropas Parlamenta ieteikumu Padomei, Komisijai un Komisijas priekšsēdētājas vietniekam / Savienības Augstajam pārstāvim ārlietās un drošības politikas jautājumos par attiecībām ar Palestīniešu pašpārvaldi (2021/2207(INI)) (A9-0226/2023).

  Evin Incir, rapporteur. – Mr President, Madam Commissioner, colleagues, the Palestinian people have been living under occupation for more than 50 years and deserve their freedom, as all other people. And a well-functioning Palestinian Authority with control over their territories is an integral part towards a peaceful solution on the conflict and an end to the Israeli occupation.

If I asked anyone in here in our Parliament, please stand up if you would like to be treated as the Palestinian people are, expected to live a decent life under an abnormal situation, because there is nothing normal with occupation. I can promise you no one here would like to stand up.

The freedom of the Palestinian people is also interlinked with the security of the Israeli people. The internationally recognised two-state solution, according to the 1967 borders with the city of Jerusalem as the capital of both states, remains the best way of bringing lasting peace, stability, security and equal rights to both people. What I just mentioned should not be controversial for anyone of us in here, because it is rooted in international law and the rule-based order that we claim we stand for in many other conflicts.

But yet these recommendations seem to have created a debate above and beyond my understanding in this Chamber, in a few EU Member States with disinformation and misinformation and groundless allegations being spread.

Colleagues, how controversial can it be to demand an end to corruption and human rights abuses by the Palestinian Authority? How controversial can it be to demand an end to terrorist attacks by actors on both sides, Palestine and Israel? How controversial can it be to demand an end to Israeli occupation and human rights abuses? How controversial can it be to demand from Israeli authorities to stop demolition and confiscation of EU-funded projects that is supposed to go to schools for Palestinian children? And if they continue their activities, every single cent must be paid back to the European taxpayers.

How controversial can it be to let the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court do their job through looking into if war crimes have been committed? How controversial can it be to have a more long-term approach instead of yearly ad hoc cooperation and support to the Palestinian Authority?

Remember the last time Commissioner Várhelyi refused to pay the financial support to the PA based on groundless allegations? It even led to Palestinian people not accessing cancer treatment.

In the end, it all boils down to how controversial can it be to start treating the Palestinian people as we treat the Israeli people? Or do we believe international law only applies to some? And as Orwell said, some are more equal than others. Peace must be the ultimate goal wherever conflict appears. Freedom must be the ultimate goal wherever an occupation exists. Life must be the ultimate goal, where death is ever present.

If we really believe in that, it should not be controversial to vote in favour of the negotiated and compromised takes on recommendations to the Council and the Commission on the relations with the Palestinian Authority and reject any amendments.

I just want to remind us all in here that we have a duty to pave the way for peace and life, not further polarisation and death. Palestinian and Israeli human rights activists and organisations are right now calling on us to adopt these important recommendations.

  Jutta Urpilainen, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members of the European Parliament, thank you for the timely opportunity to discuss your report and also to exchange views on our relations with the Palestinian Authority, also on behalf of the HR/VP.

Let me start by updating you on the situation on the ground, which is of great concern. The security situation continues to deteriorate, leading to deplorable numbers of Palestinian and Israeli victims. This year alone, the number of Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has more than doubled – compared to the same period last year – to more than 130, including at least 22 children, in addition to five Palestinians killed and large-scale destruction of property by Israeli settlers. The number of Israelis killed by Palestinian perpetrators has also increased, to 31 – compared to 28 in the same period last year – with many more injured on both sides.

We are also witnessing an alarming increase of demolitions, evictions and settlement expansion, with around 13 000 new settlement units announced in the occupied West Bank approved by Israel in the past six months alone, and new administrative procedures to expedite settlement expansion. We have urged Israel not to proceed with these measures, which are illegal under international law.

All these developments only serve to fuel the cycle of violence that has accelerated to alarming levels in recent months. The EU has reacted publicly on several occasions, including the recent military operation in Jenin and terrorist attacks in Israel and the West Bank. It is clear that the only way to break out of this vicious cycle is a return to effective security cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. But we know from experience that the security track cannot be separated from the political track.

Remote as it may look today, there is no viable alternative to the two-state solution, and the longer it takes, the more difficult it will become. With this in mind, we are working through our EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process to revive peace efforts with regional partners, in particular Saudi Arabia and the League of Arab States.

Now I would like to turn to the title of this debate: our relations with the Palestinian Authority. Thirty years since its creation by the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority is facing unprecedented financial and political challenges. Financially, the Palestinian Authority is struggling to maintain its public finances and provide services to the population. We heard alarming messages at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which the EU hosted in May.

The EU remains the largest donor to the Palestinian people, with projects and interventions that cover almost all aspects of Palestinian life. These are in line with the Palestinian reform agenda and aim at promoting Palestinian state building. In December 2022 – so last December – the Commission adopted its 2022 annual action plan in favour of Palestine, for a total amount of EUR 186 million.

As part of our multiannual support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, our 2023 contribution of EUR 82 million was frontloaded at the beginning of this year. Other donors need to step in as well, while the Palestinian Authority needs also to urgently continue its financial reforms to steer towards calmer waters. We recall that Israel also needs to respect signed agreements and take the necessary measures that would ease the Palestinians’ financial pressures.

Politically, the Palestinian Authority is also facing internal challenges. We are witnessing increasingly negative trends as regards the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in areas where the Palestinian Authority is in control and in Gaza. A stronger and more credible Palestinian Authority as a partner is in everyone’s interest and this is why the EU continues to urge to hold the overdue national elections as soon as possible. This is important for strengthening the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority for the Palestinian people.

In January, the HR/VP invited the Palestinian Prime Minister to the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. We agreed to establish a regular political dialogue at ministerial level. We are planning to have the first such dialogue with the Palestinian counterpart in the autumn. We also agreed to work towards establishing partnership priorities between the EU and the Palestinian Authority in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Both will be important steps forward in our political relations. Thank you very much. I am looking forward to the debate.

  Michael Gahler, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Mein Dank gilt zunächst der Berichterstatterin für die Art und Weise, wie dieser interfraktionelle Dialog über diesen schwierigen Bericht gehandhabt wurde. Der gemeinsame Ausgangspunkt ist das Ziel einer Zweistaatenlösung, auf die wir auch mit dieser Empfehlung hinarbeiten müssen. Schwierig ist der Bericht, weil er vor allem Kritik übt, man diese Kritik aber konstruktiv kalibrieren muss, um die gewünschten Effekte zu erzielen.

Zum einen gilt diese Kritik dem Hauptadressaten dieser Empfehlung, der Palästinensischen Autonomiebehörde. Deren Legitimität gegenüber den eigenen Bürgern ist inzwischen schwierig zu begründen, weil die letzten Wahlen 2005 und 2006 stattgefunden haben. Deswegen fordern wir, dass die PA die Voraussetzungen für demokratische Wahlen schafft.

Als einer der Hauptfinanziers der Palästinensischen Autonomiebehörde fordern wir, dass diese Behörde Korruption und Vetternwirtschaft bekämpft, dass sie trotz der Umstände der Besatzung jeglicher Form antisemitischer Rhetorik und gewalttätigen Verhaltens gegenüber Israelis keinen Vorschub leistet und dass sie die Unabhängigkeit der Justiz und der palästinensischen Zivilgesellschaft beachtet und allen Minderheitengruppen, auch einschließlich der Christen, den Freiraum belässt, der in einer demokratischen Gesellschaft Usus ist.

Auch gegenüber Israel haben wir Forderungen und Erwartungen, die sich aus der täglichen Praxis der Besatzung ergeben. Wenn Israel es ernst meint mit einer Friedensregelung, dann passt die Genehmigung von 5 000 zusätzlichen Wohneinheiten vom 26. Juni nicht ins Bild. Es gilt für beide Seiten: Wer Frieden will, darf kein Öl ins Feuer gießen. Wir müssen Israel, der Regierung klar sagen, dass sie dafür verantwortlich ist, dass die radikalen Siedler sich nicht so benehmen, als wären sie in der Westbank zu Hause. Das sind sie nämlich nicht. Und vielleicht können wir ja die Staaten, die sich in den Abraham Accords engagieren, auch dazu bringen, sich in den Dialog, den die Kommission mit diesen Ländern führt, in diesen Friedensprozess einzubringen.

  Matjaž Nemec, v imenu skupine S&D. – Spoštovani visoki zbor! Palestino že več desetletij pretresa hudo nasilje. Gaza je še vedno največji zapor na prostem. Že tretja generacija Palestincev pa ne pozna miru.

V zadnjih dneh smo bili znova priča eni izmed največjih operacij izraelske vojske na Zahodnem bregu, kjer je bilo ubitih 12 ljudi. Vsako nasilje, vsaka širitev nezakonitih naselbin pa še dodatno ogroža vzpostavitev palestinske države. Še več, do sedaj najbolj skrajno desna izraelska vlada ne skriva več, da je cilj okupacije Zahodnega brega v resnici aneksija.

Svet in Evropa se morata zbuditi, spoštovani, v Palestini se dogajajo vojni zločini. Poteze Izraela grobo kršijo vse mednarodne pogodbe in pravo. Zato odločno podpiram poročilo kolegice Evin, ki prihaja ob pravem času in naslavlja ključne izzive. Prvič – stop okupaciji, drugič – sankcije za kršitelje, tretjič – za palestinsko neodvisnost in četrtič – za mir in sožitje dveh enakopravnih narodov.

  Nicola Beer, im Namen der Renew-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Die zur Abstimmung stehende Entschließung schließt an die Entschließung zu den Zukunftsaussichten der Zweistaatenlösung für Israel und Palästina vom Dezember 2022 an und ist auf die Beziehungen der Europäischen Union zur Palästinensischen Autonomiebehörde fokussiert. Sie berücksichtigt die ohne jeden Zweifel schwierigen Rahmenbedingungen, mit denen die PA in der Ausübung ihrer Aufgaben konfrontiert ist. Die Entschließung benennt aber auch – und das ist mir sehr wichtig – unsere Erwartungen gegenüber der PA: die Erwartung, Korruption zu bekämpfen, religiöse und andere Minderheiten zu schützen, die Zivilgesellschaft nicht zu unterdrücken, sondern zu fördern und dringend Wahlen zur demokratischen Legitimierung durchzuführen.

Darüber hinaus ist es von ganz entscheidender Bedeutung, dass wir nicht nachlassen, von der PA entschlossene und messbare Fortschritte zu fordern. Die weitere Unterstützung der PA durch die Europäische Union darf nicht als Freibrief zum „Weiter so“ interpretiert werden. Die PA muss jetzt endlich liefern, das heißt effektive und transparente Regierungs- und Haushaltsführung, konsequenter Einsatz gegen Erziehung zum Hass und vor allem die Abkehr von Unterstützung und Finanzierung palästinensischen Terrors gegen Israel.

Ich bedanke mich bei der Berichterstatterin und allen Schattenberichterstattern und hoffe, dass dieses Parlament eine Brücke auch zwischen diesen Abgeordneten schaffen kann.

  Jordi Solé, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Mr President, the Palestinian Authority is a government with limited self-rule over only a part of the West Bank, which in turn is an occupied and extremely fragmented territory, as I could witness myself three weeks ago as a member of DROI mission that went to the area. Moreover, the PA is in a very fragile financial situation and highly dependent on the international community, mostly us.

It is also confronted with a legitimacy problem – no elections in 17 years – and it is becoming increasingly authoritarian in terms of suppressing political dissent and reducing the space for civil society. And despite all these challenges and flows, or rather because of them, the EU has to intensify its relations and its political dialogue with the PA with the aim of improving governance, institutions and the security situation in the OPTs, easing socio—economic conditions for Palestinians and ultimately making Palestine an independent, viable country, living peacefully and democratically alongside Israel and fully assuming its security demands. This would also require Israel to comply with international law regarding settlements and stop advancing de facto annexation.

But instead of trust—building measures that could allow for the resumption of the peace process, the harsh reality on the ground is again an escalation of violence. The EU must focus its attention on what’s happening in the West Bank and intensify our efforts for de—escalation. We should not let the extremists keep instrumentalising the conflict, or else we will lose again chances for a future in peace.

  Bert-Jan Ruissen, namens de ECR-Fractie. – Voorzitter, geachte commissaris, de inval van het Israëlische leger in Jenin heeft ons opnieuw met de neus op de feiten gedrukt: in de Palestijnse gebieden wonen niet alleen maar goedwillende mensen. Er wonen helaas ook terroristen die maar één taal spreken, namelijk de taal van terreur en geweld. En zolang dat het geval is, heeft Israël eigenlijk geen keus. Dan moet het wel optreden.

Ondertussen wordt de situatie wel steeds ingewikkelder. Met een Palestijnse Autoriteit die haar democratische legitimiteit al lang heeft verloren. Een PA die niets doet om terreur te stoppen, maar het juist aanwakkert. Kijk naar wat kinderen meekrijgen in de Palestijnse schoolboeken en in de media: sterven als een martelaar wordt voorgespiegeld als iets geweldigs. Huiveringwekkend, maar het gebeurt.

Is dit alles nog te doorbreken? De EU heeft een belangrijke sleutel in handen. Als grootste donor van de Palestijnen kan ze de Palestijnen aanspreken. Nodig is allereerst dat de PA haar verantwoordelijkheid neemt. Van de Palestijnse Autoriteit mag worden verwacht dat ze Israël de nodige veiligheidsgaranties biedt. En daar hoort ook bij het stoppen met haatzaaien in schoolboeken. En als tweede bepleit ik een veel sterkere inzet op vreedzame co-existentie. Joden en Palestijnen die op de Westelijke Jordaanoever samenwerken in een en hetzelfde bedrijf bijvoorbeeld. Waarom zou dat anno 2023 niet meer kunnen?

Veiligheidsgaranties bieden en leren samenleven: volgens mij zijn dat de zaken waarin we moeten investeren. Dan ontstaat vanzelf ook de bereidheid om staatkundig tot een oplossing te komen. En dat hoeft zeker niet per se een tweestatenoplossing te zijn.

  Susanna Ceccardi, a nome del gruppo ID. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la soluzione fondata sulla coesistenza pacifica tra israeliani e palestinesi è l'unica soluzione possibile al conflitto.

Di certo, però, non ci si arriva accusando Israele e mettendolo ancora una volta sul banco degli imputati, perché per parlare di pace occorre prima di tutto ristabilire la verità.

Il fallimento dell'Unione europea è aver elargito centinaia di milioni di euro per anni all'Autorità palestinese senza chiedere nulla in cambio e senza neppure verificare dove quel fiume di denaro effettivamente andasse.

Sappiamo bene che la maggior parte di quei soldi finisce nelle tasche degli oligarchi dell'Organizzazione per la liberazione della Palestina e altri ancora giungono ad Hamas che li trasforma in armi per il terrore, mentre alla popolazione civile non arriva quasi nulla. L'Europa deve trovare un nuovo approccio, servono controllo e intransigenza.

I gruppi di sinistra, col solito approccio ideologico, definiscono Israele una potenza occupante; ancora una volta, la sinistra europea è pronta a giustificare e finanziare i gruppi radicali palestinesi, negando il diritto all'autodifesa esercitato dal governo di Israele, il solo Stato democratico nell'area mediorientale.

Questa è una relazione che alimenta il razzismo contro Israele e contiene idee folli, come quella che promuove il boicottaggio dei prodotti di Giudea e Samaria; questa pratica ricorda quella dell'atroce apposizione dei segnali di infamia sui negozi ebrei. L'antisemitismo strisciante che aleggia in alcuni di questi emendamenti è ripugnante.

Domani non voteremo questa risoluzione. Spero che la linea moderata abbia la meglio su certe posizioni estremiste che da anni, non condannando fermamente il terrorismo di Hamas, di fatto lo spalleggiano.

  Manu Pineda, en nombre del Grupo The Left. – Señor presidente, Palestina está sufriendo una limpieza étnica continuada. El 2022 fue el año más mortífero desde la intifada de 2005, con más de 120 palestinos asesinados solo en Cisjordania y Jerusalén, sin contar con los asesinados en el gueto de Gaza. También el año pasado se construyeron más de 8 000 viviendas de colonos ilegales y al menos 7 000 palestinos fueron detenidos, incluidos 865 niños.

Por desgracia, la situación empeora cada día. La semana pasada, las fuerzas israelíes de ocupación entraron en el campo de refugiados de Yenín, violando todos los acuerdos firmados, asesinando a doce personas y dejando más de cien heridos y miles de desplazados. Esa violencia ha generado ya casi seis millones de refugiados palestinos, de los cuales el 80 % viven por debajo del umbral de la pobreza.

Mientras tanto, el comisario europeo de Vecindad, Olivér Várhelyi, impide que lleguen los fondos acordados por la Unión Europea a la UNRWA, la Agencia de las Naciones Unidas para los Refugiados de Palestina. Al mismo tiempo, el régimen del apartheid sionista impide a los refugiados palestinos el retorno a su tierra, a pesar de que la Resolución 194 del año 1948, de hace ya 75 años, reconoce el derecho al retorno y obliga al régimen israelí a permitirlo.

Estas son las cifras del apartheid que el Gobierno de extrema derecha israelí practica contra Palestina. Ese que la Unión Europea considera su socio preferente. Actúa así porque se sabe protegido. Quedará impune y esta Unión Europea se limitará, en el mejor de los casos, a expresar su «deeply concerned».

Si la Unión Europea no pasa de la palabra a las acciones seguirá siendo cómplice de los crímenes que el régimen israelí lleva a cabo contra el pueblo palestino. Debemos suspender inmediatamente el Acuerdo de Asociación con Israel y excluirlo de todos los programas financiados con fondos europeos, así como prohibir la entrada de representantes israelíes en esta institución. La Unión Europea debe reconocer al Estado palestino e impulsar que los Estados miembros hagan lo mismo.

Estimados colegas, de la misma manera que hemos condenado y tomado medidas inmediatas contra la contra la guerra y la ocupación de Rusia a Ucrania tenemos que tomarlas contra la guerra y ocupación de Israel en Palestina. Aunque lleguemos 75 años tarde.

  Λευτέρης Νικολάου-Αλαβάνος (NI). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, δεκάδες είναι οι νεκροί και εκατοντάδες οι τραυματίες· ο τραγικός απολογισμός της δολοφονικής επιχείρησης του Ισραήλ στην Τζενίν, στη Δυτική Όχθη, και της αεροπορικής επιδρομής στη Λωρίδα της Γάζας πριν από μερικές μέρες. Αυτοί οι νεκροί και τραυματίες έρχονται να προστεθούν στους πάνω από 100 δολοφονημένους Παλαιστίνιους από την αρχή της χρονιάς, ανάμεσα στους οποίους βρίσκονται μικρά παιδιά. Τα προσχήματα του κράτους του Ισραήλ, που αναμασούν και οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες Αμερικής και η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, είναι παντελώς αστήρικτα, τη στιγμή που καταγράφονται εδώ και μήνες εικόνες αποτρόπαιης κατοχικής βίας στον διεθνή Τύπο, ακόμη και μέσα στην ίδια την Ιερουσαλήμ.

Το γεγονός δε ότι η ισραηλινή κυβέρνηση απολαμβάνει την πάγια πολιτική, οικονομική και στρατιωτική στήριξη των ΗΠΑ, του ΝΑΤΟ και της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, αποτελεί εξοργιστική πρόκληση απέναντι στους λαούς· τους λαούς, που στηρίζουν σταθερά και διαχρονικά τον δίκαιο αγώνα του παλαιστινιακού λαού, καταδικάζουν την κατοχική βία του Ισραήλ και υποστηρίζουν να τερματιστεί τώρα η ισραηλινή κατοχή, να αναγνωριστεί κυρίαρχο παλαιστινιακό κράτος στα σύνορα του 1967 με την Ανατολική Ιερουσαλήμ πρωτεύουσα, να αναγνωριστεί το δικαίωμα της επιστροφής των προσφύγων στις εστίες τους.

VORSITZ: EVELYN REGNER
Vizepräsidentin

  Lukas Mandl (PPE). – Madam President, dear colleagues, this is called a report on the relations with the so—called Palestinian Authority. So first and foremost we could question whether this is really a priority given the geopolitical situation, but OK, let’s talk about it.

I had the privilege to be co—negotiator on a report on a so-called two—state solution half a year ago, and I managed to put into there the language of a security guarantee for Israel, which would be needed, in my view, at least, that a so-called two—state solution could even be considered. There is no democratically legitimised representation of the so-called Palestinian Authority, but OK, let’s discuss it.

But when we look deeper into the outcome of this document, it’s actually a blaming and shaming document against the only democracy, the only rule—of—law—based state in the Middle East, our strong partner state, Israel, which is fighting terrorism, fighting a kind of terrorism that also seeks to reach out to our European soil, which is present on EU soil –Hamas, Hezbollah and others, and they are supported by whom as proxies of this regime? By the Iranian regime. And who else is the Iranian regime supporting? The Putin Russian regime that’s attacking us and has been attacking us in hybrid means before February 22 and with military means in Ukraine since February 22. So let’s connect the dots.

For me, I felt sorry for the Foreign Affairs Committee that it decided on this report and I would feel sorry for this very plenary if it would decide in favour of this report.

  Margarida Marques (S&D). – Senhora Presidente, Comissão, na semana passada, mais uma forte operação militar de Israel no campo de Jenin, violando o Direito Internacional. Doze palestinianos morreram.

Sim, os cerca de 3 milhões de palestinianos que vivem na Cisjordânia são cidadãos como nós, protegidos pelo Direito Internacional. Sabemos bem que a solução de dois Estados é a única viável. Assim se comprometam, de facto, todos os atores na região, no respeito da segurança, da integridade territorial, do Estado de direito, dos direitos humanos e dos acordos internacionais.

Temos de continuar a apoiar o povo palestiniano na saúde, na educação, na transição ecológica e digital, na participação dos jovens, na democratização e na boa governação.

Reforçar a ajuda humanitária, sim, 63% da população na Faixa de Gaza precisa desta ajuda.

O Tribunal Penal Internacional tem de fazer o seu trabalho, avançar nas investigações a crimes de guerra cometidos nos territórios palestinianos, como em Jenin na semana passada, e felicito a relatora pelo relatório equilibrado que hoje aqui debatemos.

  María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos (Renew). – Señora presidenta, presentamos hoy este informe, absolutamente necesario, para profundizar en las relaciones de la Unión Europea y la Autoridad Palestina. En él le hacemos recomendaciones a la Autoridad Palestina para reforzar la democracia, respetar los derechos humanos, luchar contra la corrupción y celebrar de inmediato elecciones. Pero lo hacemos en el contexto de una ocupación militar, que viven en Palestina, que cada día parece más —y es más— una anexión ilegal del territorio que, como ustedes conocen, pone claramente en riesgo la solución de dos Estados.

Por eso les pido que apoyen el informe y les pido que rechacen las enmiendas de ECR y de ID, que niegan esta realidad e imponen su agenda política que, por otra parte, es cada vez más parecida a la de los grupos ultranacionalistas y ultrareligiosos que conforman el Gobierno de Israel.

La Comisión no ha encontrado ninguna evidencia de desviación de fondos europeos a organizaciones terroristas. La Comisión no ha encontrado ninguna evidencia de odio en los libros de texto utilizados en las escuelas palestinas. Los veintisiete Estados miembros han desautorizado a Várhelyi por la suspensión temporal de fondos, que ha causado una devastadora situación humanitaria, porque la población palestina vive en esta situación.

  Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE). – Fru formand! Israels langvarige besættelse af Palæstina må stoppe. Israel skal trække sig tilbage bag den grønne linje. PLO har accepteret en status på de resterende 22 % af det historiske Palæstina, inklusive Østjerusalem. Det er den eneste mulighed for fred og frihed i såvel Palæstina som i Israel. EU skylder fredsfløjen, ikke mindst i Israel, at bevæge sig fra ord til handling. De føler sig svigtet af os. Med god grund. Men vi skal også tage fat i Palæstinas lederskab. Denne betænkning rummer en nødvendig kritik af PA, dels af svækkelsen af retsstaten, oppositionens vilkår og den frie debat, dels og især manglende valg. Sidst var i 2006. Valget dengang var frit og fair, men EU respekterede det jo ikke. Siden har PA skadet den demokratiske legitimitet. De sidder i deres boble i Ramallah og rører sig ikke ud af flækken, heller ikke for at hjælpe de mange, hvis land bliver stjålet af voldelige bosættere, og hvis huse rives ned af Israel samt af den brutale militære undertrykkelse. Både EU og PA må handle i overensstemmelse med international lov. Det kan vi i andre sammenhænge godt finde ud af. De mange unge palæstinensere har hårdt brug for at kunne håbe på en menneskeværdig fremtid.

  Εμμανουήλ Φράγκος (ECR). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, ισλαμιστικές τρομοκρατικές επιθέσεις λαμβάνουν χώρα συνεχώς τόσο στο Ισραήλ όσο και στην Ευρώπη. Αυτές οι επιθέσεις αποτελούν συνέχεια μιας πολυετούς δολοφονικής δράσης τζιχαντιστών έναντι όσων αποκαλούν απίστους. Ο εξτρεμισμός είναι αποτέλεσμα πληθώρας παραγόντων. Βασίζεται όμως κυρίως σε πεποιθήσεις του ακραίου Ισλάμ. Δυστυχώς τα παιδιά των Παλαιστινίων, όπως και τα παιδιά των Τούρκων, μαθαίνουν πώς θα γίνουν μάρτυρες. Άκουσον άκουσον! Μάρτυρες τον 21ο αιώνα! Μάρτυρας λοιπόν, κατ’ αυτές τις εξτρεμιστικές διδασκαλίες, γίνεται κανείς όταν σκοτώσει και πεθάνει για τη θρησκεία του, όταν πραγματοποιήσει δηλαδή μια τρομοκρατική επίθεση.

Πρέπει να βεβαιωθούμε ότι κανένα παιδί δεν υποβάλλεται σε εκπαίδευση για να γίνει τρομοκράτης. Ευρώπη και Ισραήλ οφείλουν να συνεργαστούν για την κατάρτιση μιας πολυεπίπεδης διεθνούς στρατηγικής αντιμετώπισης της ισλαμιστικής τρομοκρατίας. Σαφώς, με την αντιμετώπιση της εκπαίδευσης στον εξτρεμισμό ανοίγει ο δρόμος για την επίλυση του Παλαιστινιακού, καθώς και για την ασφάλεια για όλους τους πολίτες μας.

  Marc Botenga (The Left). – Madame la Présidente, en écoutant certains d’entre vous, je me demande sur quelle planète vous vivez. Vous avez vu les images à Jénine de familles palestiniennes, de réfugiés palestiniens, les mains en l’air, quittant leur maison, quittant le camp de réfugiés par peur d’être abattus sauvagement par des forces d’occupation israéliennes. Vous les avez vues, ces images-là, où vous n’en avez rien à faire?

Imaginez un seul instant que ce soit des Ukrainiens sur ces images, quittant leur maison par peur des troupes russes qui veulent les tuer. Vous auriez appelé à des sanctions. Vous auriez appelé à renforcer le soutien à l’Ukraine, à lui donner plus d’armes. Pourquoi est-ce que la vie d’un Palestinien vaut moins pour vous que la vie d’un Ukrainien? Je ne le comprends pas et je trouve cela inacceptable.

Cela vaut aussi pour la Commission européenne. Vous n’avez pas levé le petit doigt face à ces violations du droit international et face à ces crimes de guerre. Tous les crimes de guerre doivent être punis. Ne faisons pas d’exception pour Israël.

  Jörg Meuthen (NI). – Frau Präsidentin, werte Kollegen! Manche Vorlage hier im Parlament ist sinnvoll, andere sind unklug und einzelne einfach nur beschämend. Der Bericht zum Verhältnis zwischen der EU und der Autonomiebehörde der Palästinenser gehört zu Letzteren. Dieser Bericht ist nicht nur einseitig, er ist antiisraelisch, er dämonisiert den Staat Israel in beschämender Weise. Er ist das Produkt einer Gruppe von Abgeordneten in diesem Haus, die mal verdeckt, mal offen ihren Hass gegen Israel ausleben.

Europa finanziert die Palästinenser jährlich mit 1,2 Milliarden Euro, Steuergelder, die kaum die Zivilbevölkerung erreichen, sondern in die Terrororganisationen Fatah und Hamas fließen, in die Beschaffung ihrer tödlichen Raketen, an einen demokratisch nicht legitimierten Regierungschef gehen, der offen die Verbrechen der Shoah relativiert, die in korrupten Kanälen versickern, für antisemitische, Hass stiftende Schulbücher ebenso wie für sogenannte Märtyrerrenten verwendet werden, den Schandlohn für die Mörder israelischer Zivilisten.

Das muss enden. Wer Frieden im Nahen Osten will, darf sich nicht an die Seite von Fatah und Hamas stellen. Die EU muss sich endlich auf die Seite der einzigen Demokratie in dieser Region stellen, sich für und nicht gegen Israel entscheiden, und das im Interesse sowohl der Israelis als auch der Palästinenser.

  Antonio López-Istúriz White (PPE). – Madam President, the report in question is a report that aims to make a recommendation to the Council, Commission and the High Representative on relations with the Palestinian Authority. There is nothing wrong about that.

The problem is that, once again, some in this Parliament have been trying to take advantage of a legitimate debate about our relations with the Palestinian Authority to attack Israel. Another lost opportunity for this Parliament to be a moderating and balancing factor. We have heard here today ‘Israeli regime’ – it is a democracy, you can like the government or not, but it is a democracy – ‘apartheid state’, ‘criminal state’, ‘criminals of war’. How can we become a moderating factor? That is what the EU and our values are about. Shame on the declarations I’ve heard. We want to be a balancing factor, we have to be.

The EPP tried: we brought amendments to try to balance the text. All rejected. And now you are facing other amendments. Radicalisation, in the end: that’s what you obtain with these declarations, it is not for the cause of peace and understanding.

From different positions we are all trying to find and to help as Europeans. We need this balanced approach. We cannot ignore the problems, but here we are and we should do our work. Maybe next time.

  Maria Arena (S&D). – Madame la Présidente, c’est difficile de parler de la relation de l’Union européenne avec l’Autorité palestinienne sans parler d’Israël. C’est impossible. La solution à deux États qui parle de l’État israélien et de l’État palestinien semble s’éloigner de plus en plus.

Sans doute parce que nous avons un État faible du côté palestinien. Mais pourquoi cet État faible? Parce qu’il y a une privation de l’Autorité palestinienne aujourd’hui, de l’exercice de ses compétences vitales pour la souveraineté de son pays. Parce que la construction illégale des colonies et la démolition d’infrastructures palestiniennes par les Israéliens rendent difficile la vie aujourd’hui en Palestine. Parce que les différents checkpoints qui sont aujourd’hui dans l’État palestinien sont à l’origine d’humiliations permanentes à l’égard des jeunes Palestiniens.

Est-ce que vous pensez sincèrement que, dans ce contexte, il soit facile de construire un État palestinien? Ça ne l’est pas. Bien sûr, il nous appartient d’être acteur, d’exiger un certain nombre de choses, d’exiger la fin de l’occupation, d’exiger le démantèlement des colonies, de mettre fin au régime d’apartheid, mais aussi d’exiger de l’Autorité palestinienne qu’elle se renforce, d’exiger des élections, mais ces élections dépendent aussi de l’Autorité. Et tout cela, l’Europe doit pouvoir l’exiger et doit pouvoir avoir une stratégie qui lui permette d’aller dans ce sens.

  Chris MacManus (The Left). – Madam President, in Palestine, we have again seen over our airwaves the Israeli military committing gross breaches of international law and standards on the use of force, which may constitute a war crime. These are not my words, but the words of representatives of the United Nations, when last week in Jenin, Israeli forces murdered a dozen Palestinians. Five were children, many more badly wounded.

So why does the EU not act? Is it because of Netanyahu supporters in the EU, some here in Parliament, many over here on the right of this Chamber? The very same people who denied the Netanyahu Government’s crimes against humanity and disregard for international law, denied the human rights of Palestinians and the principle of recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The EU must intervene. The Israeli regime’s colonisation of more territory with illegal settlements, their intensification of apartheid and systematic slaughter of Palestinian men, women and children — it must end.

  Fabio Massimo Castaldo (NI). – Madam President, Madam Commissioner, I would like to thank our rapporteur, Evin Incir, for the excellent recommendation that correctly reaffirms our commitment to a two-state solution, calls for an immediate cessation of violence, and stresses the importance of organising free and fair elections in Palestine.

Countless Palestinian and Israeli lives are lost every day. While recognising the legitimate security concerns of Israel about terrorism, we cannot ignore that the expansion of illegal settlements, as well as the destructions and the civilian victims provoked by the Israeli government’s military operations, not only pose a significant obstacle to the realisation of a two-state solution, but also tragically contribute to a growing rejection from the Palestinian people of a moderate leadership.

Therefore we must support and facilitate effective cooperation with the Palestinian Authority to build up democratic institutions. But we must also foster our cooperation with that part of the Israeli civil society that is clearly standing against all abuses and calling for the rejection of the hardliners’ long-term plan: building a state for the settlers in place of the Palestinian State, as the UN’s permanent observer said.

Dear colleagues, we must not lose sight of our shared goals: a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, security and mutual respect. Therefore I call on each of you to support this recommendation, sending them a message of hope and determination.

  Tom Vandenkendelaere (PPE). – Voorzitter, collega’s, commissaris, om geloofwaardig te zijn en impact te hebben in haar ambities om bij te dragen tot een duurzame oplossing van het conflict tussen Israël en de Palestijnen, moet de Unie evenwichtig zijn in haar standpunten en optreden, en dus ook in haar kritiek.

Onze kritiek op het nederzettingenbeleid van Israël kan moeilijk duidelijker zijn, kan moeilijk luider klinken. Maar ook tegenover de Palestijnse Autoriteit moeten we kunnen zeggen waar het op staat: kritiek die onontbeerlijk is om de kansen op duurzame vrede te bevorderen en die vooral de Palestijnen zelf ten goede moet komen, want zij hebben er alle belang bij dat de internationale gemeenschap geen vrede neemt met het gebrek aan democratische legitimiteit, met verdeeld of ontbrekend leiderschap, met gebrek aan transparantie en problemen zoals corruptie, en met de nefaste rol van terroristische organisaties.

Met aandrang nemen we het lot van de Palestijnen ter harte, maar niet door carte blanche te geven aan hun leiders.

  Martina Michels (The Left). – Frau Präsidentin! Danke zunächst für diesen sehr wichtigen Bericht. Die Gewaltausbrüche der vergangenen Tage verlangen gerade danach, aktiv zu werden. Er befasst sich auch zu Recht mit der israelischen Politik, denn Israels derzeitige ultranationalistische Regierung beschleunigt den illegalen Siedlungsausbau, ergreift Schritte, um die Annexion des Westjordanlands weiter voranzutreiben. Dies untergräbt erneut die Rechte der Palästinenser und marginalisiert die Palästinensische Autonomiebehörde weiter.

Ja, und es steht in einem Zusammenhang: Nach innen will Israels Regierung die Unabhängigkeit der Justiz stutzen, die Demokratie aushöhlen. Andererseits wird im Bericht zu Recht gefordert, dass die Palästinensische Autonomiebehörde die Menschenrechte respektiert und endlich, nach 16 Jahren, freie Wahlen abhält. Wir halten am Recht der Palästinenser auf einen eigenen Staat fest und unterstützen daher sehr diesen Bericht.

  Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou (PPE). – Madam President, Commissioner, this report was supposed to be about the relationship of the Union with the Palestinian Authority, yet it contains about 40 references to Palestine and the Palestinian Authority, and almost 75 to Israel, which is undeniably imbalanced. It’s also disappointing that major issues of importance in our engagement with the Palestinian Authority have been completely overlooked in the report. For instance, there’s no mention of the Commission-funded Georg Eckert study, which clearly finds that there is antisemitic and hate speech in Palestinian Authority textbooks.

The report also fails to focus efficiently on other actors that play a major role in the region, and I mean terrorist organisations like Hamas, or the influence of Iran or the IRGC. Of course, we can’t discuss relations with the Palestinian Authority without mentioning Israel. And, of course, there are issues about Israel that we debate and disagree on. But this report is not the place for this debate to take place. Unfortunately – like so often – I see this report as having been used as a vehicle for those who wish to criticise Israel and will take any opportunity to do so.

  Miriam Lexmann (PPE). – Madam President, dear colleagues, across the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, official Palestinian Authority textbooks teach hatred and violence, and demonise both Israel and the Jewish people.

A peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is both a moral and strategic imperative. However, this can only be achieved through educating societies and above all, young generations to live in peace and with cultural tolerance towards one another. The recent spiral of violence only re—emphasises the importance of this.

This is why the EU, as the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority and to UNRWA, must ensure that our taxpayers’ money is not misused and perpetuating the conflict. We need to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability of how our taxpayers’ money is spent, and that supported programmes are implemented in accordance with our values.

  Peter van Dalen (PPE). – Voorzitter, het uitstekende verslag van collega Incir geeft duidelijk aan wat de route moet zijn voor vrede: de tweestatenoplossing.

Maar er zijn twee partijen die de tweestatenoplossing bedreigen. Dat is in de eerste plaats Hamas. Hamas domineert de Gazastrook en wordt op zijn beurt weer gedomineerd door Iran. En Iran wil Israël de zee in schuiven.

De tweede partij die de tweestatenoplossing bedreigt, is de huidige regering van Israël. De huidige regering van Israël wordt eigenlijk aangevoerd door de twee ministers Ben-Gvir en Smotrich. En die beide zionisten laten de kolonisten de vrije hand, zodat dagelijks Palestijnen worden gepest, geïntimideerd en vernederd. Eigenlijk wil deze regering uiteindelijk de Palestijnen Jordanië in schuiven. Bovendien is het zo dat aanvallen op christelijke begraafplaatsen, christelijke gebouwen en instellingen eigenlijk door Israël niet worden aangepakt. Men laat de boel maar de boel.

Voorzitter, ik ben de afgelopen 14 jaar zes keer uitgebreid in Israël en de Palestijnse gebieden geweest en ik ben zeer teleurgesteld over de gang van zaken. Maar laten we vasthouden, ook als EU, aan de tweestatenoplossing en iedereen die daar voor gaat.

  Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE). – Madam President, Israel has broken its commitments on the United Nations. It has broken the international law, it has committed a severe long-term occupation and it has committed close to war crimes. And all this is fact, and it is stated by the United Nations authorities. So this is not a matter of opinion.

What do you think it would look like if we would act in the same way with Ukraine and Russia in crisis, intensifying our cooperation with Russia, reminding about the corruption and other problems we probably can find in Ukraine and giving our financial resources to the Russians? We need to get rid of double standards. We need to act according to our principles, law and order, and we need to get these things straight.

  David Lega (PPE). – Fru talman! På bordet ligger den värsta rekommendation som utrikesutskottet författat under min tid i Europaparlamentet. Men jag är tyvärr inte förvånad när svenska socialdemokrater hållit i pennan. Uppgiften var att författa en rekommendation för EU:s relation med den palestinska myndigheten, men texten fokuserar mycket mer på Israel än på den palestinska myndigheten. Socialdemokraterna kan helt enkelt inte hålla sig ifrån att manifestera sitt hat mot Israel, och det är ovärdigt Europaparlamentet att göra detsamma.

Samtidigt som denna rekommendation listar – till viss del relevant – kritik mot Israel, så bortser den från helt centrala problem på den palestinska sidan. Till exempel Hamas fruktansvärda attacker mot det israeliska folket nämns inte. Hotet om att förgöra Israel nämns inte. Inte ens problematiken med antisemitism och diskriminering av kristna adresseras.

Den text jag har på bordet är ofullkomlig, obalanserad och oseriös. Den hade kanske funkat som SSU-debattartikel, men den kan inte accepteras som Europaparlamentets officiella rekommendation. Jag uppmanar alla att rösta minus.

Catch-the-eye procedure

  Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE). – Señora presidenta, el pasado mes de febrero intenté tener una reunión con la Autoridad Palestina, con ONG de Israel y con ONG de Palestina, pero me fue impedida la entrada a los territorios ocupados por Israel. Esto lo dice precisamente la resolución de la señora Incir. Y quiero darle las gracias también por haber mencionado que dos eurodiputados no hemos podido acceder formando parte de una delegación oficial. Porque, mientras Israel se preocupa de la Autoridad Palestina para desviar la atención, se siguen manteniendo la ocupación ilegal y el apartheid, los asentamientos ilegales y la anexión ilegal y, sobre todo, se sigue extendiendo su autoridad a los territorios ocupados donde tiene su autoridad la Autoridad Palestina. Eso es lo que está haciendo Israel. No lo digo yo, no es una opinión personal, es una opinión de Naciones Unidas y del último informe de la señora Albanese.

Como usted dijo, comisaria, aumenta el ciclo de la violencia, pero hay que volver a la cooperación y a la paz. No hay un enfoque equilibrado —se lo digo así a la extrema derecha de la Cámara— cuando se destruye la paz. No hay un enfoque equilibrado cuando Israel hace lo que acaba de hacer en Yenín.

  Sandra Pereira (The Left). – Senhora Presidente, debatemos esta resolução no contexto da crescente e brutal política de agressão de Israel contra o povo palestiniano. É disso exemplo o recente ataque ao campo de refugiados de Jenin: 12 mortos, mais de 100 feridos, incluindo crianças, a expulsão de centenas de famílias das suas casas.

Condenamos e exigimos o fim imediato da violência de Israel contra o povo palestiniano.

O Governo israelita deve cumprir o Direito Internacional, incluindo as inúmeras resoluções da ONU sobre os inalienáveis direitos do povo palestiniano que há décadas determinam a criação do Estado da Palestina com as fronteiras de 1967 e capital em Jerusalém Oriental e a efetivação do direito ao retorno dos refugiados.

É inaceitável que às palavras de reconhecimento formal dos direitos nacionais do povo palestiniano não correspondam firmes posições políticas por parte das Instituições da União Europeia, incluindo do Parlamento Europeu, de repúdio pela política de ocupação e opressão de Israel e de cumprimento do Direito Internacional, expressão de uma postura de conivência que denunciamos.

Daqui expressamos a nossa solidariedade para com o povo palestiniano e a sua luta pelos seus inalienáveis direitos nacionais.

  Özlem Demirel (The Left). – Frau Präsidentin! Es gibt einen Zusammenhang zwischen der geplanten Justizreform der ultrarechten Regierung in Israel und den neuesten Entwicklungen in Palästina. Es ist kein Zufall, dass dieselbe Regierung, die gerade das Justizsystem aushebeln möchte, besonders aggressiv gegenüber Palästinensern vorgeht. Denn ein wesentliches Ziel dieser Reform ist auch, die rechtlichen Hürden in der Siedlungs- und Annexionspolitik zu umgehen und zu übergehen. Diese Siedlungspolitik ist eine Politik, die die Rechte der Palästinenser mit Füßen tritt, internationales Recht missachtet. Ja, und diese Politik ist eine Politik, die den Nahostkonflikt wieder weiter anheizt und zuspitzt.

Deshalb ist kein Schweigen im Moment gefragt, sondern es braucht einen Aufschrei. Wo war der Aufschrei bei den Bildern aus dem Flüchtlingslager in Dschenin? Wo war der Aufschrei, als die Journalistin Shireen Abu Akleh ermordet wurde? Kolleginnen, Doppelstandards und Werte sind nicht zusammengehörig. Wenn Sie Wertepolitik vertreten, dann brechen Sie Ihr Schweigen über das Leid der Palästinenser, kritisieren sie diese orthodoxe rechte, nationalistische Regierung …

(Die Präsidentin entzieht der Rednerin das Wort.)

  Reinhard Bütikofer (Verts/ALE). – Madam President, colleagues, Israel is not an apartheid state and it is not like Russia. But some of those that cannot find enough hyperbole in criticising Israel turn quite gingerly when it comes to calling a spade a spade on the Palestinian side. Let me direct your attention to three amendments, namely amendments 45, 47 and 48 that try to deal with the issue of Palestinian terrorism. Several groups in this House seem to be determined to vote them down. I say that would be a very bad mistake.

  Clare Daly (The Left). – Madam President, on Palestine, EU politics takes place in a sort of a never-never land where things can be both true and untrue at the same time. We skirt around the details of a reality. We refuse to accurately name Zionism as practised as a European settler colonial project. Israel is an occupying power; Palestinians are a colonised people.

The division of the West Bank, the checkpoints, the separate control regimes, the settlements and annexations, the systemic denial of rights: these are the crimes of apartheid. Israeli air strikes on Gaza in May: 33 dead, hundreds wounded. This isn’t self-defence, it’s a war crime. The slaughter of children from the air in Jenin: not self-defence. War crimes, illegal, without any comment out of the European Union, while the Commission President toasts the birthday of Israel’s occupation of Palestine as the realisation of a dream.

Palestinians have a right to engage in resistance. Our duty under international law is to use diplomatic means to bring about an end to the intolerable conditions they live under. But until we stop rewarding Israel, they’ll keep doing it.

  Sabrina Pignedoli (NI). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, voglio ricordare che questo Parlamento ha votato innumerevoli risoluzioni sulla questione palestinese. A cosa sono servite? A nulla.

Gli attacchi dell'esercito israeliano sono aumentati e continuano a mietere vittime civili, anche bambini e giornalisti, e si abbattono le scuole costruite con i soldi dei contribuenti europei.

Lo Stato di Israele può permettersi di non rispettare gli accordi internazionali, restando non solo impunito ma potendo contare sull'appoggio delle istituzioni europee. Vogliamo ricordare, per esempio, gli accordi commerciali preferenziali, l'ammissione di Israele ai programmi finanziati dai cittadini europei e, da ultimo, il vergognoso invito del Presidente di Israele alla plenaria del Parlamento per commemorare la Giornata della memoria?

Nei territori palestinesi si vive uno stato di apartheid, di pulizia etnica da parte del regime colonialista israeliano.

È ora che l'Europa si muova in maniera concreta, cosa aspettiamo ad approvare sanzioni contro uno Stato sorretto da un governo fascista che non rispetta i diritti umani?

  Mick Wallace (The Left). – Madam President, for more than two days last week, the Israeli Defence Forces attacked the Jenin refugee camp in the Occupied Territories of the West Bank. Benjamin Netanyahu labelled the attack on one of the world’s most defenceless and impoverished areas a special operation. It reminds one of Russia’s special military operations in Ukraine, which we rightly condemned. But where’s the condemnation of Israel?

As reported by the excellent Jeffrey St Clair, the IDF targeted Jenin’s entire population and the fragile infrastructure the camp depends on for its survival: power plants, pipelines, electrical lines, cell towers, sewage treatment facilities, roads, schools, mosques and clinics.

When the UN is helpless and the Palestinian Authority – which is responsible for security in the Occupied Territories – acts as a subcontractor for the Israeli state, serving only to police Palestinians and not secure them from external attack, is it any wonder paramilitaries have risen up to defend neighbourhoods and families against such blood-soaked incursions? The Israeli treatment of Palestinians is barbaric and the EU is complicit.

(Ende der spontanen Wortmeldungen)

  Jutta Urpilainen, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, the debate today testifies to our continued interest in, and engagement on, the two-state solution and on a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The EU is doing its part.

Our commitment to the two-state solution has always translated into substantial financial support to strengthen the capacity of the Palestinian Authority and to improve the social and economic conditions of the Palestinian people, including refugees.

The Palestinian people need a government that can govern effectively in all Palestinian territory and with full popular support. This also means giving Palestinian civil society, especially young people, more space and better participation in decision-making.

At the current moment, however, it is crucial to prevent the violence from running out of control. All parties need to make an effort to de-escalate the situation to prevent further loss of life, ensure accountability, and bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice.

We urge the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible to condemn and stop terrorist attacks against Israelis and to counter incitements to violence. At the same time, we urge Israel to translate its condemnation of settler terrorism into action and exercise restraint in its military operations and to respect international law.

All sides have the responsibility to engage and to create the conditions for a resolution of the conflict. We will continue to work with all our partners – and particularly together with the Saudi Foreign Minister and the Secretary—General of the League of Arab States – to revive Middle East peace efforts by exploring a comprehensive regional peace approach. We are now actively working on accelerating these efforts with the participation of our key partners.

Thank you, President and Members, for the opportunity to exchange on this very important matter.

  Evin Incir, rapporteur. – Madam President, first and foremost, I want to thank the Commissioner for taking part in the discussions. I also want to say that I regret to see that some of the colleagues who took part in the debate already left.

First and foremost, just to the colleague, David Lega: I just want to say, in contradiction to you, that I am able, as a Social Democrat, to love Israel and to love Palestine at the same time. That is called standing up for international law and the rule-based order. International law is universal, and it applies to all of us.

And also to the colleague Mandl, who didn’t bother to stay either: there is no such thing as a ‘so-called’ Palestinian Authority. There is a Palestinian Authority. Let me also remind everyone who thinks the same that the Palestinian Authority is a product of agreement between Israel and Palestine. Who are we to undermine the effort of peace that they have tried to take?

Then the claims that the EU is pumping out financial support without any conditionality – be it to the Palestinian Authority, UNWRA or anyone else – are astonishing and, of course, totally made up.

Even with Israel, we have demands. Article 2 of the EU—Israel Association Agreement clearly states, ‘Relations between the Parties, as well as all the provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this Agreement’.

I haven’t heard anybody in here saying that we should cancel the EU-Israel Association Agreement because we know that it is not good for the two-state solution. So why are we talking about dismantling the Palestinian Authority? I would not have thought that I would ever quote him, but even the Israeli right-wing Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that it is not in his interest to weaken the Palestinian Authority. And then we have MEPs in here saying that we should weaken the PA.

What we do, if we weaken the Palestinian Authority and try to dismantle it, is that we abolish all kinds of possibility for a two-state solution, a peaceful two-state solution, with two democratic states living side by side in in peace, democracy and security.

Colleagues, with this said, I just want to once again, as I did in the beginning, call on everybody to vote in favour of the recommendations as they are. They are negotiated, and it is a compromise from many different parts. And I want to finally say thank you to my shadow rapporteurs.

  President. – That concludes the debate. The vote will be held tomorrow.