“Mr President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament, Minister [for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belgium, Hadja] Lahbib,

More than three months after the beginning of the Israeli military operation against Hamas, triggered by the horrific terrorist attacks of 7 October, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is tragic.

The number of civilian casualties in Gaza, including a very high proportion of children, is unacceptable. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance and Israel must do more to exercise maximum restraint. Respect for International Humanitarian Law is imperative and non-negotiable. This is a message that we consistently pass to Israel. And Hamas must release all hostages without preconditions.

While Israel maintains its military objectives to destroy Hamas, with 60% of housing stock and infrastructure destroyed, humanitarian actors already describe Gaza as an unliveable place.

A new humanitarian pause is needed now. The situation is worsening by the day, with 85% of the population now being displaced, often living in the open and facing the risk of famine and disease.

The European Union is doing its part to contribute to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, with more than €100 million in humanitarian aid in 2023. There have been some positive steps, like the opening of [the] Kerem Shalom crossing, but clearly more is needed. Humanitarian aid and access need to be considerably scaled up. Humanitarian actors, including the United Nations whose role is central to the relief effort, need to be given unfettered access across Gaza – including the North.

The war has regional consequences, at the border between Israel and Lebanon, but also in the Red Sea, and in Iraq and Syria. Efforts must continue to prevent further escalation, and the European Union and its partners will continue to be actively engaged to this end.

[…]”