Watch: ‘Israel’s Overwhelmingly Disproportionate Response’ In Gaza Must Stop ‘Right Now’, Roberta Metsola Says
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and said the war must stop “right now”.
Speaking to Lovin Malta on a visit to Ukraine, Metsola described Israel’s response to the atrocities on 7th October as “overwhelmingly disproportionate”.
She said she was constantly in contact with the Palestinian authorities to see how the EP could help.
“The European Parliament called for a permanent ceasefire many months ago. We continue to hope for a truce together with a release of hostages. The situation on the ground is catastrophic,” she said.
“We are helping people to get out. We are helping people to be given protection. But at the same time we need to recognise that our aim of pushing for a two-state solution – even in the fog of war – should not let go of our sights,” she said.
Describing the EU as the “largest donor of humanitarian aid”, Metsola said she would continue to work with intermediaries to have a “de-escalation… a stop” to what is happening on the Gaza Strip “right now”.
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After 7th October, Metsola immediately condemned the “worst terrorist attack in generations” and defended Israel’s right to defend itself, saying Hamas must be stopped and “we must do what we can to mitigate the humanitarian consequences”.
The war has been raging for seven months now, with over 36,000 people reported to be killed, including 97 journalists, 224 humanitarian aid workers and 179 employees of UNRWA. The vast majority of casualties are reported to be women and minors.
Asked about the escalating anti-war protests worldwide that are often being suppressed with violence, Metsola said she “grew up protesting” and would always “protect, respect and fight for” those who protest.
She made special reference to Maltese students who protested outside the law courts against the “despicable action” of Prime Minister Robert Abela to condemn a magistrate’s inquiry into a fraudulent hospitals deal that implicated several current and former members of government.
Read the full story of Metsola’s visit to Ukraine here.