EU leaders slammed by MEPs for failing to address Gaza's reconstruction costs

EU leaders have come under fierce criticism in the European Parliament for failing to address Gaza's enormous reconstruction costs.

Lawmakers heard that more than 90% of the strip has been flattened by Israel, and that the regime now occupies more than 60% of the enclave as part of its land grab policy.

We comfort ourselves by saying we will lead in rebuilding Gaza, but you cannot rebuild a hospital with one hand while rewarding the war criminals that flattened it with the other.

Aodhan O Riordain, Irish MEP

• EU lawmakers demand Israel pay to rebuild Gaza
  

  EU lawmakers demand Israel pay to rebuild Gaza

  EU lawmakers say the Israeli regime should fund Gaza

One legislator after another has accused EU leaders of helping arm Israel and refusing to demand accountability for the destruction of Gaza.

Let's talk about these double standards. All day we talk about Russia's responsibility in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Why is it so hard to talk about Israel's responsibility in the reconstruction of Gaza?

Nacho Sanchez Amor, Spanish MEP

• Gaza reconstruction stalls amid security threats
  

  Gaza reconstruction stalls amid security threats

  Rebuilding Gaza is proving to be a near-impossible task due to the dire security situation that affects almost every aspect of life in the Strip.

Of the 71 billion US dollars needed to rebuild Gaza over the next decade, an estimated 26.3 billion is required in the first 18 months to restore basic services, clear debris, rebuild critical infrastructure, and restart the economy.

Campaigners say authorities, including the EU, need to do much more, given the West's role in supplying Israel with the deadly and destructive weapons.

Since October 2023, Israel's genocidal military campaign has killed more than 73,200 Palestinians, including 21,000 children. 173,700 Palestinians have been wounded, while 2 million are enduring a humanitarian catastrophe.

• Israel killing Palestinian children in West Bank at highest rate since 1967
  

  Israel killing Palestinian children in West Bank at highest rate since 1967: Report

  A new report exposes Israel’s killing of Palestinian children and teenagers in the occupied West Bank at the highest rate since the 1967 occupation.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 1,087 Palestinians over the same period.

Why is it so difficult to do anything to put pressure on Tel Aviv?

I don't think it's a matter of not doing anything. It's just how well have we [sic] studied the impact of sanctions when it comes to, for example, Ukraine.

 In this case, it's been a case of would it be an effective political measure or effective economic measure?

Velislava Petrova-Chamova, Bulgarian Foreign Minister

Many citizens say the EU should do more to pressure Israel to respect a ceasefire, they argue, exists only on paper.

A lot of people are dying, a lot of kids. It's not a good situation.

Member of Public 01

• EU parliamentarians demand sanctions on Israel
  

  EU parliamentarians demand sanctions on Israel

  Millions of ordinary Europeans continue to feel the economic fallout from the illegal war against Iran waged by the US and Israel.

I think the Israelis are scum of the earth.

Member of Public 02

Some lawmakers argue that, despite the devastation, Palestinians will ultimately prevail.

Developments have shown that imperialism is not undefeatable because you didn't win in Iran.

The people can impose their will for an independent Palestinian state with 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as the capital.

Kostas Papadakis, Greek MEP

Lawmakers are also demanding that Israel pay for an estimated 150 million euros worth of EU-funded infrastructure destroyed in Gaza.

• Blatant EU Foreign policy double standards
  

  Blatant EU Foreign policy double standards

  The economic uncertainty across the European Union, resulting from the United States

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