(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The European Parliament (EP) debated the current escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip at a meeting in Strasbourg Wednesday on the eve of a vote on a resolution on the issue.
Speaking at the debate, Italian undersecretary for foreign affairs Benedetto Della Vedova, whose country holds the current EU Presidency, said: "The EU is convinced that the deterioration in the regional context makes it more necessary than ever that there will be a solution to the conflict based on two states co-existing." "We think that the only way to remove violence and solve the conflict is an agreement putting an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and an agreement that meets the aspirations of both parties," he said, and called for on the immediate end of the violence.
British MEP Martina Anderson said: "Over 200 Palestinians are dead, 1250 have been injured, 7000 have sought refuge, 1300 buildings including hospitals, homes and schools have been destroyed by Israeli bombs, and it continues." "This is an appalling carnage. Attacks from both sides should stop," she stressed.
Danish MEP Margrete Auken asked the EP "why are there none of the figures in your resolution." "Why don't you mention the immense amount of civilians killed on the Gaza strip, with one third at least children? Is it because you don't think that there is an imbalance here? do you think it's equal partners?" she asked.
Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri said "We are the top founder of the Palestinian Authority and we are the largest market for Israel." "We need to use these tools to force them to the negotiation table. That's our job, let's not leave it up to the US to oversee negotiations. We should be bringing about ourselves because we are in a position to do so. That's the qualitative leap that Europe must make, enough with words", added Panzeri.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.