Greens/EFA call on Israel to immediately lift the blockade and stop plans to seize the entire Gaza strip

Israel’s security cabinet has approved an expansion of its military offensive to seize the entire Gaza strip, displace Gazans to the south and take control of aid provision. 

At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is further deteriorating, with the government of Benjamin Netanyahu leaving millions of innocent civilians without food and medical care and putting the people in Gaza at serious risk of starvation.

The Greens/EFA call for the Israeli government to immediately stop the escalation of its military offensive, return to negotiations for a ceasefire and end the blockade in accordance with its obligations under international law, while also listening to the families of hostages who have strongly criticized the planned seizure of the whole Gaza Strip.

Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens/EFA, comments:

"The decision to seize the entire Gaza strip is a further escalation and horrible news for Palestinians and Israelis. There will be no lasting peace without a democratic functioning Palestinian state. And Gaza is part of Palestine."

"Blocking aid kills. The Israeli government must stop blocking aid to Gaza and putting the people in Gaza at serious risk of starvation."

Bas Eickhout, Co-President of the Greens/EFA, comments:

"The blockade is nothing short of a cruel collective punishment against the Palestinian population. A full scale seizure of the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces would be devastating and a violation of international law.

"We stand firm with international law. Israel, as the occupying power, must allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. There is no justification for turning human suffering into a political bargaining chip.

"We call on Israel to immediately lift this brutal blockade and immediately stop the escalation of its military offensive. Let humanitarian organisations save lives, restore dignity, and offer hope."