European Parliament members discuss humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli attacks in Gaza

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - The ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza and their severe impact on women and children were a major point of discussion at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) session in Strasbourg, France.

As violence escalates across the Middle East, several parliamentarians expressed their concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for immediate international action.

In a session dedicated to the situation in Gaza, Saskia Kluit, a Dutch MP and PACE rapporteur on the humanitarian crisis, highlighted the unprecedented level of destruction and displacement in Gaza.

She emphasized that the violence has reached critical levels, with no safe haven for the nearly 2 million residents of the densely populated enclave.

- 'Nowhere is safe in Gaza'

Kluit underscored the harsh reality faced by the people of Gaza, noting that constant bombardments have forced 9 out of every 10 people to leave their homes.

"The people of Gaza are constantly on the move to escape danger, but it is impossible for them to escape. Nowhere is safe," she said, describing how entire families are trapped and displaced with nowhere to go.

She further shared alarming statistics, revealing that 41,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict, with the names of children alone filling 215 pages.

Kluit warned that the situation could worsen as Gaza’s health care system nears collapse, leaving many, especially children, without basic medical care.

"About 17,000 children are no longer with their families, and many have had to take on the role of caregivers," Kluit stated, describing the long-term psychological trauma children are facing.

Kluit called for immediate international pressure to facilitate a cease-fire and ensure safe passage for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

- 'Gaza in utter despair'

Swiss MP Pierre-Alain Fridez echoed Kluit’s concerns, likening the devastation in Gaza to an "apocalypse."

He painted a grim picture of the region, stating that 80% of Gaza has been reduced to rubble as a result of Israeli attacks.

"Gaza is in utter despair today," Fridez said, adding that the population is struggling to survive with only minimal humanitarian aid entering the region.

Fridez called for urgent efforts to establish a cease-fire and allow essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine to reach the civilian population.

- Impact on women, children

Italian MP Aurora Floridia focused on the specific plight of women and children in Gaza, emphasizing that the Council of Europe must prioritize their protection.

With Gaza’s health care infrastructure in collapse, Floridia warned that pregnant women and the elderly are at particularly high risk, with a lack of medical supplies exacerbating the crisis.

She urged immediate action to ensure vulnerable populations' access to health care, clean water, and electricity.

- Indifference to Israeli attacks condemned

Türkiye’s AK Party Ankara MP Zeynep Yildiz delivered a powerful critique of the international community's inaction in the face of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Yildiz recalled the killing of activist Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi by Israeli forces during a peaceful protest in the West Bank and pointed to the “double standards” of the international community.

She noted that over the past year, Israel killed 224 human rights defenders and humanitarian workers, as well as 134 journalists, yet faced little accountability.

Yildiz also condemned what she described as a global failure to halt Israeli aggression, accusing arms suppliers of turning a blind eye to the consequences of their actions.

"Israel’s unchecked aggression threatens regional and global stability and requires concrete sanctions," she said, calling on countries to reevaluate their support for Israel.