The European Parliament approved, with 305 votes in favor, 151 against, and 122 abstentions, a joint resolution presented by the Greens, Socialists, and Liberals on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is the first time a majority resolution on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Strip has been approved by a vote in the chamber in over a year. The vote on the final text came after a long recess requested by MEPs to assess the outcome of the scrutiny of amendments.
However, the Italian majority and opposition are divided, with the government allies voting in three different ways: Forza Italia in favor of the resolution, Fratelli d'Italia abstaining, and the League against.
Campo Largo also did not vote unanimously, largely due to the removal of the word "genocide" from the final text. The Democratic Party voted in favor, while the Five Star Movement voted against. Leoluca Orlando, the only Italian Green Party member present at the vote, also voted no. On the Italian Left side, Ilaria Salis abstained from voting, according to the voter records.
The text of the resolution
The European Parliament calls on member states to "consider recognizing the State of Palestine" and affirms its "support for von der Leyen's approach to the EU-Israel Association Agreement." This is stated in the resolution "Gaza on the Edge: EU Action to Fight Famine, the Urgent Need to Free the Hostages and Move Toward a Two-State Solution," approved by the European Parliament. The text, the result of a compromise between the groups, does not contain a direct reference to Israel's responsibility for genocide.
In the resolution, MEPs fully support the proposals put forward yesterday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen against Israel, from the partial suspension of agreements to sanctions against settlers and violent activists . They also call for full investigations into all war crimes and violations of international law, holding all those responsible accountable. Furthermore, In the text, MEPs also express their serious concern about the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in Gaza and urge urgent action by the EU.
