Irish MEPs call on EU Council to demand a ceasefire in Gaza

Irish MEPs across the political spectrum release joint statement calling for ceasefire in Gaza Irish MEPs from across a broad political spectrum this morning, Thursday 26 October, released a joint statement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The statement echoes the recent resolution passed by Dáil Éireann, the position adopted by the Irish government, and the recent statements of the United Nations Secretary General, and urges the Council of the European Union to call for an immediate ceasefire, as well as urgent efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of people in Gaza, ahead of the Council meeting today. The statement was initiated and drafted by Independents 4 Change MEPs Mick Wallace (LEFT) and Clare Daly (LEFT), and is co-signed by MEPs from every political group with Irish representatives, namely: Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (LEFT) Colm Markey (EPP), Chris MacManus (LEFT), Grace O’Sullivan (Greens/EFA), Ciarán Cuffe (Greens/EFA)and Billy Kelleher (Renew). In a press release, Mr Wallace said: We feel it is extremely important that as Irish MEPs we stand together and amplify calls for a ceasefire ahead of the European Council meeting today. Ireland is a neutral country with a proud history of peacekeeping and therefore we feel Ireland’s representatives in the European Parliament speak from a unique position. We must do everything we can to stop the slaughter, the death toll is well over 5,000 now. It is important to keep the pressure on for a constructive intervention from the EU in line with international law.” Ms Daly also said: “The Palestinian people need our urgent support and solidarity, which is why we have asked all the Irish MEPs to join us in calling for a ceasefire. Europe’s leaders will meet today and tomorrow to discuss the conflict. The terms of their statement matter. There is talk of them calling only for a “humanitarian pause.” That is not the same thing as a ceasefire - it amounts to a temporary stop to the killing, after which it will continue. It is essential that we remind them that it is imperative that the conclusions of that meeting include a call for a ceasefire, and for urgent humanitarian assistance to Gaza.” The text of the statement is as follows: “With regard to the current situation in the Middle East and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Irish Members of the European Parliament, from across a broad spectrum of political groups, wish to echo the recent resolution passed by the Dáil; the position adopted by the Irish government; and the statements of the United Nations Secretary General, and therefore urge the Council of the European Union to call for an immediate ceasefire, as well as urgent efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of people in Gaza. We stress the universal applicability of international humanitarian law, its binding nature on all parties in all conflicts and remind the Council that indiscriminate warfare resulting in the killing of civilians cannot be justified - in any circumstances. Given the intensity of hostilities, and the enormous loss of life that has already occurred, we consider that calling for anything less than an immediate ceasefire would depart from the European Union’s responsibility to uphold international law, to protect human life, and to secure peace. Signed: Clare Daly Mick Wallace Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan Colm Markey Chris MacManus Grace O’Sullivan Billy Kelleher Ciarán Cuffe“