13/05/2024 Political Affairs and Democracy
"Securing the release of hostages and preventing any further catastrophic escalation of the conflict are the two priorities demanding the full commitment of all parties at this critical juncture,” said Piero Fassino (Italy, SOC), PACE rapporteur on recent developments in the Middle East, in a statement today.
He underscored that "since the appalling massacre perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023, both Israelis and Palestinians have endured immense suffering. Any exacerbation of the current situation will only compound human anguish and lead to irreparable destruction."
"With almost eight months of conflict behind us," Fassino stressed, "there is an urgent need for a collective surge of responsibility to ensure the effective implementation of a ceasefire, the safe return of hostages to their families, and unhindered access to essential humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population, in line with Assembly Resolution 2524 (2024)."
"Action must be taken immediately," he concluded. "We cannot afford further delay, and no constructive initiative should be obstructed in achieving those objectives. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe stands ready to support any measures facilitating their realisation."