European Parliament next week expected to call Israel's actions in Gaza 'genocide' for 1st time

BRUSSELS

In a session next week, the European Parliament is expected to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza using the term "genocide" for the first time.

The "Stopping the Genocide in Gaza: Time for EU Sanctions” session will take place during the EP’s plenary meeting in Strasbourg on June 16-19, with the session set for next Wednesday.

The Left group in the EP said in a statement that the move comes after multiple attempts to put the issue on the agenda, and 16 months after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) first called on Israel to take measures to avoid genocidal acts in Gaza.

The debate will also address growing calls for the European Union to impose sanctions on Israel in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

According to the Left’s statement, groups such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, the UN Special Committee on Israeli Practices in Occupied Territories, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, alongside legal advocates and academic experts, view the situation in Gaza as meeting the criteria for genocide.

The statement also noted that Israel has not complied with provisional measures ordered by the ICJ aimed at preventing acts considered genocide.

In the written statement, Left Co-Chair Manon Aubry said the European Commission "continues business as usual with Israel through its Association Agreement" and described the European Parliament's move to use the term "genocide" as a significant step forward.

The EP has previously held several debates on Gaza, including a May 21 session marked by sharp divisions among members. Some lawmakers expressed support for Israel, while others urged the EU to reconsider its Association Agreement with Israel and called on European governments to ramp up pressure.