The European Parliament adopted a resolution expressing grave concern about the situation in Gaza and Israel.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA, and ECR groups.

It welcomes the ceasefire agreement negotiated by the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed and US Secretary of State, announced in Cairo on 21 November 2012. Members call for the full implementation of the agreement, stressing that all attacks must end immediately and there must be an urgent de-escalation and cessation of hostilities . It commends the efforts of Egypt and other actors to mediate for a sustainable ceasefire and welcomes the mission of the United Nations Secretary-General to the region. Parliament strongly condemns the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, and stresses that Israel has the right to protect its population from these kinds of attacks, while pointing out that, in doing so, it must act proportionately and ensure the protection of civilians at all times. It also stresses that there can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians. Members condemn the terrorist attack on a bus carrying civilians in Tel Aviv on 21 November 2012. Members call again for the creation of the conditions for the resumption of direct peace talks between the two parties, stressing strong support for the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as capital of both states, and with Israel and an independent, democratic and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Parliament supports Palestine’s bid to become a UN non-member observer , and considers this an important step in making Palestinian claims more visible, stronger and more effective. EU Member States and the international community are urged to find an agreement in this direction. Parliament asks the EU and the Member States again to play a more active political role in the efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It supports the High Representative in her efforts to create a credible perspective for relaunching the peace process.

Noting that the blockade of, and the humanitarian crisis in, the Gaza Strip continues despite numerous calls by the international community for the opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons, Parliament reiterates its call for the lifting of the blockade of the Gaza Strip, conditional upon an effective control mechanism to prevent the smuggling of arms into Gaza. It also calls also for steps to be taken to allow the reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza.

The Council took stock of developments in the Middle East Peace Process and adopted conclusions on the question.

Council deplores the loss of civilian life on both sides of the conflict and calls for the immediate end to all attacks as they cause unjustifiable suffering of innocent civilians.

The European Union calls for an urgent de-escalation and cessation of hostilities and supports the efforts of Egypt and other actors to mediate for a rapid ceasefire .

Once again, the European Union strongly condemns the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip by Hamas and calls on Israel to respond to these attacks in a proportionate manner to ensure the protection of civilians.

The Council indicates that the current situation underlines once more the urgent need to move towards a two-state solution allowing both sides to live side-by-side in peace and security. It states that the European Union will continue working with all those with influence in the region to bring this about.