Voorzitter EESC bezorgd over escalatie geweld Gazastrook (en)

The President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Mr Mario Sepi, expresses deep concern over the escalation of the conflict in Gaza and calls for an immediate cease-fire.

The civilian population in Gaza is gravely endangered and it is necessary to stop the violence as well as allow the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance in order to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. In this regard, the Committee fully supports the European Commission i and European Parliament's efforts to this purpose.

The President calls upon all parties, including the international community, to respect the UN Security Council Resolution of 8 January 2009 and to reengage the peace process.

In its work in the Euromed region, the EESC is aiming to develop a dialogue between civil society organisations in the Euromed partner countries, in order to create an area of understanding and peace, and it fears that any escalation of the conflict will endanger this process.

The EESC will continue to do everything within its power to promote dialogue with all partners that is based on shared human values, in order to build up confidence and mutual understanding. Such dialogue is a prerequisite for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

We should encourage and support all those who are living side by side in the region and who are working together on concrete projects in order to improve their everyday lives.