Published: Thu, 26 June 2025
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Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, has called for renewed international focus on ending the violence in Gaza, welcoming recent diplomatic momentum while urging all sides to put peace before politics.
“There is a window open right now, and we must use it,” said Kelly. “The ceasefire between Iran and Israel has created a vital opportunity to push forward serious negotiations in Gaza. But we cannot waste it. The killing must stop — not tomorrow, not next week, now.”
Kelly expressed deep concern over the toll the ongoing conflict has taken on civilians. “The suffering of the Palestinian people is intolerable. Every day without a ceasefire means more lives lost, more children buried, more futures destroyed. We must be honest about that. This is not just a political crisis — it’s a human one.”
Kelly stressed the importance of turning words into results. “There’s talk of momentum, of hope, of fresh dialogue. That’s welcome. But hope without action is hollow. What we need is commitment — from all sides — to sit down, talk, and reach a deal that puts human life first.”
“Gaza has known too much grief. Ending the bloodshed is not weakness — it’s moral responsibility,” he continued. “We need a real, sustained ceasefire. One that allows humanitarian aid in, hostages out, and political solutions to begin.”
Kelly also noted the broader implications for regional and global stability. “We cannot separate this conflict from the wider threats to international peace. A secure, peaceful Gaza is in everyone’s interest — Israeli, Palestinian, European, global. Continued violence only breeds more resentment, more instability, and more extremism.”
He concluded by urging international leaders to act decisively. “Let this be the turning point. Let us prioritise peace over pride, and dialogue over destruction. The people of Gaza, and indeed the people of the region, deserve no less.”
