Sdělení

Brussels, 28 November 2025

As Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine, I express deep concern at the escalating repression against Palestinian human rights defenders (HRDs), including the abduction and enforced disappearance of Ayman Ghraieb on 17 November 2025 in the Jordan Valley, West Bank.

Mr Ghraieb, a nonviolent activist and HRD, has long documented settler violence, land confiscations, and military abuse against Palestinian communities. His arbitrary detention following a forced disappearance constitutes a gross violation of international law.

This case is not isolated. In recent weeks, I have observed an alarming increase in unlawful arrests, administrative detentions, and violence against HRDs and civil society actors. This wave of repression coincides with escalating settler attacks, including during the olive harvest season, where Palestinian farmers and activists face systematic targeting.

The silencing of Palestinian human rights defenders is unacceptable. I demand immediate action to protect civil society and uphold human rights.

I urgently call on Israeli authorities to:

• Disclose the whereabouts of Ayman Ghraieb and all detained HRDs, ensuring access to legal counsel and medical care.
• Unconditionally release those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.
• Cease all enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests.
• Investigate and hold accountable settlers and military personnel involved in abuses.
• Fully respect international law, including the Geneva Conventions.

This repression undermines democracy, violates international humanitarian law, and destroys peace prospects. The international community must take immediate action to address these serious human rights violations, as well as ensure the personal safety and protection of the fundamental freedoms that Ayman Ghraieb and other detained Palestinian human rights defenders' advocate.

The European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Palestine (DPAL) conducted an official visit to the occupied Palestinian Territories from 27 to 29 October 2025, led by Cecilia STRADA MEP (S&D, Italy) with Irena JOVEVA MEP (RENEW, Slovenia), due to the Chair of the Delegation Lynn BOYLAN MEP (The Left, Ireland) being blocked from travelling by the Israeli authorities in an attempt to frustrate the work of the Delegation.

This mission aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing key topics with local interlocutors, including the Middle East peace process, humanitarian access, the respect of human rights and the role of the EU in the area.

In Ramallah, the situation in the West Bank was discussed with representatives of the Palestinian Authority, in particular the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Ms Varsen Aghabekian, and Planning and International Cooperation Minister, Dr Estephan Salameh. Among the points raised were the urgent need to solve the outstanding financial issue of the PA, currently being severely damaged by the Israeli decision to withhold tax revenues, and the ongoing PA reform agenda agreed with the EU. The latter was also discussed with representatives of the two EU civilian CSDP missions EUPOL COPPS and EUBAM Rafah, which represent a concrete example of how the EU is engaged in the two-state solution.

The Delegation had the opportunity to exchange at length with several Civil society organisations and human rights defenders, both Palestinian and Israeli. These organisations provided ers with a thorough overview of the daily reality in the occupied Palestinian Territories, with recurrent messages on their request for accountability and the support needed from the international community to uphold international law for the sake of all involved.

This is why the international community and the EU should not relent their pressure on the Israeli authorities until a peace process fully involving Palestinians and having a tangible positive impact on the situation in the West Bank, takes place in view of a lasting political solution. The delegation insists that the ceasefire under the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict is not violated again. A peace plan cannot survive without accountability for the violations of international law that have taken place and the respect of the human rights of all those involved. The delegation had the privilege of exchanging views on these matters with a Member of the Knesset, Aida Touma Soliman.

The West Bank Protection Consortium supported a visit to Mikhmas Village, where DPAL witnessed the result of Israeli settler violence on Palestinian communities in the West Bank and the forcible transfer of civilians. The Delegation reiterated in the strongest terms that the settlements are illegal under international law and call for the EU to use its full leverage to prevent all obstacles to the two-state solution, in particular by stepping up measures against violent settlers in the West Bank and by examining whether its approach to settlement products fully complies with the EU's legal order and international obligations - including the July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice.

The Delegation also witnessed the result of evictions in East Jerusalem, where Israeli authorities are pushing Palestinian families and business out of areas such as the Jerusalem Old Town and Silwan. Local Palestinian leaders and Israeli organisations working for an equitable and stable solution to the Jerusalem question, express that the dynamics of displacement and evictions taking place in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, are also interlinked with the developments in Gaza.

MEPS witnessed the burden that checkpoints (exponentially grown in the recent years) place on the Palestinian economy and undermine the territorial and demography continuity essential for a viable Palestinian state. This was particularly emphasized during an exchange with a group of Palestinian journalists, with whom freedom of speech was also discussed.

The Delegation met also with representatives of international organisations from the UN family such as the World Health Organisation and the World Food Programme, to receive a first-hand account of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The delivery of humanitarian aid, which is currently impeded, should be increased and be fully accessible to those in need. Additionally, all services should reach the people of Palestine, and infrastructures should be built and protected to empower the Palestinian society on its path to self-determination.

The delegation had also the opportunity to witness the situation of Palestinian refugees at the camp Jalazoon Refugee Camp near Ramallah, where United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) provides both educational and medical assistance. The Delegation reiterated the position that the European Parliament has called for the mandate and funding of UNRWA to be reinstated in full.

The European Parliament and the EU remain committed to a negotiated two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with two sovereign, democratic states living side by side in peace and security, and with full respect for international law. For this reason, DPAL will continue to support the Palestinian Authority, including in its ongoing reform.

The Delegation encourages the PA to plan elections as soon as feasible, as we would like to see a functional and effective Palestinian legislative council carrying out its role as representative of the people and legislator.

As DPAL, we look forward to the day when it will be able to hold an interparliamentary meeting with elected Palestinian counterparts, just as it has been doing in these days with Members of the Knesset.

For further information, please contact DPAL@europarl.europa.eu .

Brussels, 10 July 2025

Mounir Satouri, Chair of the European Parliament's subcommittee on human rights and Lynn Boylan MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine, voice deep concern over the United States administration decision to sanction Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.

"The recent decision by the United States administration to sanction UN Special Rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, EU citizen and distinguished legal scholar, is of great concern. Ensuring the independence of UN human rights monitoring is a cornerstone of the international system, and it is essential that experts be able to carry out their work freely and without undue pressure.

"We reiterate the importance of upholding the integrity and impartiality of all UN Special Rapporteurs, which are mandated to monitor and report on human rights situations worldwide.

"We encourage the European Union and its Member States to continue supporting the independence of UN human rights bodies and to promote principled, rules-based multilateralism. Safeguarding the role of international institutions is vital to advancing accountability, the rule of law, and a just and lasting peace."

Brussels, 12 May 2025

Lynn Bolan MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine, expresses her deep concern over recent reports regarding plans by the Israeli government to expand its operations in Gaza, including its possible full reoccupation.

"I strongly condemn the potential intensification of Israeli operations in Gaza, the reported approval of a controversial new system of humanitarian aid delivery, and the possible further forcible displacement of Palestinian people. Such actions could escalate the ongoing humanitarian crisis and undermine efforts towards achieving lasting peace.

I reaffirm the support for the Arab Plan for Gaza, which envisages Gaza as an integral part of the State of Palestine, governed by a reformed Palestinian Authority. This vision is crucial to achieving a just and lasting peace and security for the entire region, based on the two-state solution.

In light of these developments, I call upon the European Union and its Member States to intensify diplomatic efforts aiming to secure an immediate ceasefire and the full restoration of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the observance of the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. The urgent delivery of help and the cessation of hostilities are essential towards alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian population and advancing the prospects for peace."

Brussels, 05/02/2025

The European Parliament in its resolution of 18 January 2024, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and the need for a political solution that respects the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.

The European Union has also remained steadfast in supporting the two-state solution, with both Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. The EU has opposed any actions that would undermine Palestinian rights, including forced displacement, as highlighted in its official statements regarding Gaza.

We are therefore deeply concerned by President Trump's recent remarks on Gaza, made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 4 February 2025, which represent a serious misunderstanding of the realities on the ground. His suggestion of U.S. control over Gaza and the forced relocation of its population would risk further destabilising an already fragile region and undermines efforts for a just and lasting peace. Furthermore, such a proposal is contrary to international law as set out in rulings of the International Court of Justice.

The EU has welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which is allowing for the phased release of hostages, the cessation of hostilities, and alleviation of humanitarian suffering. However, we cannot in any way support President Trump's statement, as it runs counter to the EU's position and undermines the credibility of the international community's efforts for peace and security in the region.

Brussels, 30/09/2024

Lynn Boylan (The Left, Ireland) has been elected by acclamation and will chair the Delegation for relation with Palestine of the European Parliament.

Ms Boylan said after the vote: "Thank you very much for electing me as Chair of this delegation. It is a real honour, but also a great responsibility, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza and at extremely critical times for Palestine and the whole region.

With your support, I am keen on making our Delegation an active player of parliamentary diplomacy with a view to supporting all efforts for a ceasefire, the end of the war in Gaza and the end of the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories and promoting all the steps needed to get to a two-state solution.

In the upcoming period our Delegation should primarily assess options for 'the day after' this devastating war, including the role of the Palestinian Authority and all other regional actors in the possible future new landscape, as well as the role the EU could have in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. We will continue as well to closely monitor the very concerning situation in the West Bank"

MEPs also elected the two Delegation Vice-Chairs:

- Barry ANDREWS, 1st Vice-Chair (Renew, Ireland), elected by acclamation

- Matjaž NEMEC, 2nd Vice-Chair (S&D, Slovenia), elected by acclamation