19/03/2025 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
“I am deeply shocked by Israel's decision to resume bombardments and not to respect the ceasefire’, said Saskia Kluit (Netherlands, SOC), rapporteur on “The absolute and urgent need to end the humanitarian crisis for women, children and the hostages in Gaza".
“The press reported yesterday that at least 330 civilians, including many women and children, were killed in their sleep by Israeli strikes on the night of Monday 17 March. Hundreds other innocent people were injured and due to the collapsed healthcare system more deaths are to be expected. I strongly condemn this further disproportionate attack on innocent lives, which violates the much-needed cease fire and adds to the suffering already caused by the renewed blockage by Israel of all humanitarian aid and electricity to Gaza. The ever-increasing threat to the lives of the 2 million persons in Gaza, and of the hostages which are still in the hands of Hamas and other groups, is intolerable.
I again remind the Israeli government of the responsibilities that arise from the human rights framework and international humanitarian law. Recalling Assembly Resolution 2582 (2025), I urge the Israeli government to immediately and fully comply with international law and the stated in the resolution. The ceasefire must be respected so Gazans can be safe and start rebuilding their territories; and so that the remaining hostages have a chance of coming home alive as soon as possible. Humanitarian aid must be restored immediately and without hindrance and the remaining hostages must be released unconditionally. The focus of all parties should be on de-escalation, reaching a long-term ceasefire and protecting innocent lives.
I call on all Council of Europe member States to use the full scope of means available to them to fulfill their obligations under international law and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide to prevent further violations of international humanitarian law; and to insist in the strongest terms for a continuation of the ceasefire and immediate restoration of aid to those trapped in Gaza.”