Humanitarian situation in Gaza

Reply to Written question | Doc. 16266 | 29 September 2025

Author(s):

Committee of Ministers

Origin

Adopted at the 1538th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (24 September 2025). 2025 - Fourth part-session

Reply to Written question

: Written question no. 795 (Doc. 16172)

1. For the Committee of Ministers, as for the Parliamentary Assembly, the grave deteriorating situation on the ground, resulting from the lack of basic humanitarian services and assistance, raises profound concern. While the Council of Europe unequivocally condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the appalling and ongoing suffering in Gaza cannot, and must not, be ignored or forgotten. The Secretary General has expressed serious concerns regarding the Israeli authorities’ compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law. He reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire, full and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the urgent resumption of a credible political process and the implementation of a two-State solution, which he referred to as the only viable path towards a just and lasting peace in the region. The Secretary General also underscored that “attacks on civilians – including children, aid workers and other protected persons – as well as starvation, forced displacement, attacks on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian access constitute serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and fundamental principles of international humanitarian and human rights law”.

2. The Committee of Ministers recalls that, although the membership of the Council of Europe is limited to European countries, this does not mean that it remains untouched and unaffected by the multiple consequences of this conflict and the regional instability generated. The dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, aggravated by the intensification of military operations, and the high number of civilian casualties including children are unacceptable. Furthermore, the continued detention of hostages, obstruction of humanitarian aid, starvation, restrictions and violence against journalists and media workers must cease immediately. These constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. The rise of antisemitism and anti‑Muslim hatred in Europe also raises grave concerns. In this context, the Committee takes note of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Resolution 2582 (2025), including the call to comply with the obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

3. The Committee of Ministers expressed its collective solidarity with the innocent victims of this catastrophic humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in Gaza through a minute’s silence at the start of the 1536th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies on 10 September 2025.

4. The Committee of Ministers will continue to follow the situation and stands ready to provide support with regard to the far-reaching human rights implications which fall within the scope of the Council of Europe’s values and vigilance, and to engage with relevant international actors in initiatives aimed at promoting peace and adherence to fundamental principles of international humanitarian and human rights law.