I have been horrified by the unfolding violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. As a member of the European Parliament delegation to Palestine, I call on European leaders and institutions to focus all efforts on ending hostilities immediately, providing humanitarian assistance to victims and brokering a lasting two-state solution for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples without delay.
The European Commission's decision to suspend all aid to Palestinians is a mistake in light of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza where EU funding supports hospitals, schools and food security programmes.
As a neutral country with a recent history of conflict and reconciliation, Ireland has a particularly important role to play in ending the cycle of terror attacks and the systemic violence of the occupation. Ireland should engage with its international partners to deescalate the situation and prevent further loss of life.
Grace O'Sullivan MEP