For the immediate enforcement of the international humanitarian law

The unprecedented escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas is exacting a devastating toll on the civilian population. The number of casualties is unprecedented, with countless lives being destroyed, torn apart, and disrupted.

Every passing day, the humanitarian catastrophe worsens.

In the face of this terrible tragedy, the Workers' Group of the EESC strongly condemns the serious violations of humanitarian law, and its additional protocols, as well international human rights' violations currently taking place.

In Gaza, more than a third of those killed are children. "Around 160 children are killed every day, one every 10 minutes. And every 10 minutes, two children are injured” said Christian Lindmeier, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO). Devastating airstrikes on essential civilian infrastructure continue, and fuel supplies are dwindling, subjecting the civilian population to collective punishment. The swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza is more than problematic. The establishment of humanitarian corridors to transport essential goods and medicines is a vital emergency for millions of people. In this regard, the Group welcomes the United Nations Security Council resolution of November 16th, calling for "immediate and expanded humanitarian pauses and corridors". In the same vein, the Group welcomes the agreement on the release of hostages and a truce in the Gaza Strip, the biggest diplomatic step since October 7.

Because every life matters, and because all war crimes, wherever they have been committed, are unacceptable, the Workers' Group calls on the international community, the United Nations, and the European Union to do everything in their power to achieve an immediate ceasefire and the real enforcement of international humanitarian law.