18/5/2018

Reacting to the escalation of tension and violence in Gaza, and the high number of Palestinians killed and injured by the Israeli Army, the Chair of PACE’s Political Affairs Committee Ria Oomen-Ruijten (Netherlands, EPP/CD) today made the following statement:

“I am appalled and strongly condemn the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli Army. I join my voice to those asking for an effective international investigation.

I call on both Israelis and Palestinians to refrain from resorting to violence and to act with the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation and loss of life.

The Israeli parliament has observer status with the Parliamentary Assembly and the Palestinian National Council has partner for democracy status with the PACE. We will therefore continue to promote dialogue between representatives of the Knesset and the Palestinian National Council on resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process with a view to a two-State solution, based on the 1967 borders.”