Published: Thu, 19 September 2024
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In an address to the European Parliament, Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland and Leader of Fine Gael, urgently addressed the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He opened his remarks with a stark statement: “Every one of us should be deeply troubled by the dire situation that continues to unfold.” Highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict, he noted, “This crisis has now lasted 11 months, resulting in an appalling humanitarian disaster,” with over 40,800 Palestinians dead and more than 94,000 injured.
Kelly, a member of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, elaborated on the wider implications of the conflict, stating, “The impact extends beyond Gaza, spilling over into the West Bank and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.” He stressed the need for immediate action, referencing a letter from Fine Gael MEPs to President Ursula von der Leyen: “It is evident that urgent action is required.”
He called for the EU to reassess its trade agreements with Israel, emphasizing, “Our trade relationships must align with our commitment to human rights and international law.” He firmly stated, “We cannot stand by as our agreements inadvertently support actions that result in widespread intentional human suffering.”
While condemning Hamas’s terrorist attacks and demanding the release of all hostages, Kelly underscored that Israel’s response must adhere to international law. “We assert that Israel’s response must limit force to what is necessary and proportionate,” he declared.
The MEP urged his colleagues to utilize the EU’s diplomatic resources for a ceasefire, saying, “The European Union must use all its diplomatic resources to bring about an immediate and lasting ceasefire.” He reaffirmed his belief in the Two-State solution as the best path to peace, warning, “Every day this policy slips away, and those who support peace must stand up now before it is too late.”
In conclusion, Kelly poignantly reminded his fellow parliamentarians, “We owe it to the innocent caught up in the daily atrocities to act decisively and compassionately.”
