Communiqués
Lynn Boylan on President Trump’s remarks regarding Gaza
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.
Lynn Boylan elected Chair of the Delegation for relations with Palestine
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