Head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas has thanked Cyprus for sending humanitarian aid to Gaza in August from Limassol. She was speaking on Tuesday during the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg, which discussed the situation in Gaza and the EU’s efforts to combat famine.
In her opening remarks, Kaja Kallas said that “the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is testing Europe’s resolve, because we are not united.” However, she pointed out that the EU is the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Gaza worldwide and a constant supporter of the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution.
Kallas pointed out that 2,904 trucks of humanitarian aid have entered Gaza from July 10 to September 1. Noting that in August a ship carrying 1,200 tons of humanitarian aid set sail from Limassol to Gaza, the EU foreign policy chief thanked Cyprus for its efforts.
“This is not enough, we need to do more,” she stressed.
Referring to possible ways to put pressure on Israel, Kallas said that there is no unity on Europe’s next steps on the issue, underlining that “we must continue our diplomatic efforts with Israel, because we will get nowhere if we do not talk.”
“We cannot move as a Union if the member states do not share the same views on what to do,” she stressed.
In her final statement, the EU foreign policy chief said that “we are trying to improve the situation” and that she herself is working hard to help people in the region. Addressing her critics in the European Parliament, she said that many do not understand how Europe works.
She also called on EU member states to work together and to approach Israel to address the situation in Gaza. “We will certainly ask for a lasting ceasefire and the release of hostages,” she said. “We are doing our best,” she said, asking for the support of EU member states.
In his statement, Antonio López-Isturiz White, on behalf of the European People’s Party, said the situation in Gaza was “unbearable,” noting that measures were being taken that favoured the intensification of hostilities rather than peace.
Yiannis Maniatis, on behalf of the Socialists-Democrats, said that “as the EP, we cannot remain silent any longer”, stressing that “we must have a strong resolution on Thursday” and that “our credibility and humanity are being tested.”
Antonio Tanger Correa, on behalf of the Patriots for Europe, said that Hamas was an obstacle to peace, adding that the Islamist group must release the hostages and lay down its arms.
Bert-Jan Ruissen, on behalf of the European Conservatives and Reformists, pointed out that Israel bears a great deal of responsibility for the situation in Gaza, but it does not bear all the responsibility.
Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Europe Group, said that all crossing points for humanitarian aid to Gaza should be opened. Hamas should release all hostages, she added.
Villy Søvndal, on behalf of the Greens, said that “the trade agreement with Israel must be suspended,” adding that “Israel is committing genocide and violating human rights.”
Manon Aubry, on behalf of the Left Group, and addressing Kaja Kallas, asked her: “What are you waiting for an embargo on Israel and the suspension of the trade agreement with Israel?”
Alexander Sell, on behalf of the Europe of Sovereign Nations, said that “we must stop the German taxpayers’ money from being invested” in a birth explosion in Palestine.
