Cyrus Engerer Calls Israel’s Military Campaign In Gaza A ‘Genocide’ And Urges Government To Do So Too
Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer has called Israel’s military campaign in Gaza a “genocide”.
He said this while both criticising European Parliament President Roberta Metsola for celebrating an EP resolution that calls for a conditional permanent ceasefire and urging the Maltese government to call it a genocide too.
When asked about his opinion on Malta’s fence-sitting on the ICJ case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, a position echoed by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Engerer told Lovin Malta:
“I stand by my beliefs and urge the government to join the case by endorsing South Africa’s position.”
Foreign Minister Ian Borg exclusively told Lovin Malta that he is “following” the ICJ case, but did not clarify whether he agrees with the premise of South Africa’s argument – i.e. whether he thinks Israel is committing genocide.
Nonetheless, he said he is “extremely concerned” about what’s happening on the ground in Gaza.
Abela echoed this vague approach when being questioned by the newsroom.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post sharing a Lovin Malta article about a comment made by Metsola to the newsroom expressing pride at the Parliament for being the first institution to call for a permanent ceasefire, Engerer said he “totally disagrees” with her.
The resolution approved by the EP yesterday calls for a permanent ceasefire on two conditions: that Hamas is dismantled and hostages are released.
“We need a ceasefire without any conditions, no ‘whataboutisms’,” Engerer said, referencing an earlier speech that garnered the President much criticism.
“We can’t say that Israel can continue to kill innocent people and more children until Hamas stops existing. Palestinian citizens who have nothing to do with them cannot get stuck in the fight against Hamas.”
“What has been decided in the European Parliament will maintain the status quo – the situation we have today – because it is no different from what Israel is saying.”
Labour MEPs Cyrus Engerer and Alex Agius Saliba voted against the resolution because they believe that such a ceasefire should be unconditional. PN MEP David Casa voted in favour, while PL MEPs Josianne Cutajar and Alfred Sant were not present for the vote.
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