Political group leaders' statement on the detention of the aid vessel Madleen

We, the undersigned political group leaders in the European Parliament, reaffirm our deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the unacceptable suffering of its civilian population.

The initiative of the civil flotilla aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza reflects the growing despair of the international community and the urgent need for meaningful humanitarian access. 

The Flotilla was carrying essential supplies: baby formula, food staples, medical materials and water purification equipment.

We note that amongst those aboard are humanitarian workers, civil society figures, amongst which 9 EU citizens, including a Member of the European Parliament, Ms Rima Hassan. 

We call for all these citizens to be released. 

While we recognize that humanitarian aid must be delivered through secure and coordinated channels, the desperation behind this civil initiative shows the failure of the international community, including of the European Union, to ensure safe, sustained, and sufficient access to life-saving aid for over two million people trapped in Gaza.

While we urge Israeli authorities to lift all obstructions to immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts of Gaza in line with international humanitarian law, we reiterate our calls for:

• An immediate and permanent ceasefire,
• The unconditional release of all hostages,
• A clear and credible pathway toward a two-state solution, based on international law and the relevant UN resolutions.

We call on the European Commission, the High Representative, and the Member States to redouble efforts to address the humanitarian catastrophe, uphold international law, and prevent further loss of innocent life.

The European Parliament must speak with a united voice in support of peace, justice, and the protection of civilians.

Signed by: Terry Reintke & Bas Eickhout, Presidents of the Greens/EFA Group, Iratxe Garcia Perez, President of the S&D Group; and Manon Aubry & Martin Schirdewan, Presidents of the LEFT Group.