S&D Euro MPs are deeply concerned about the consequences of the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip and call for an end to the suffering of millions of civilians on both sides.
 
S&D Group leader Gianni Pittella and vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru said today in a joint statement:
 
“The S&D Group, as many other international actors, have repeatedly called for de-escalation in the Gaza crisis through a cease-fire agreement and warned against an Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip over the past days. An appeal that becomes even more urgent given that Hamas rejected the Egyptian truce initiative, while Israel launched a ground operation and is ready to further expand it.
 
“We mourn the death of all innocent civilian victims of this crisis and we send our condolences to their families. Both sides must understand that the immediate priority is to stop bloodshed. The loss of innocent civilian lives, including many children such as those killed on a beach in Gaza on Wednesday, cannot be explained and justified.
 
“Therefore, we call again for the cessation of hostilities and a permanent cease-fire, and we wholeheartedly support the on-going international efforts to broker a deal between both sides.
 
“At the same time, we welcome the heroic work of UNRWA, which gives shelter to more than 30,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Their humanitarian mission deserves full international support”.