'History will judge how we responded'
MEP Ciaran Mullooly has called again for immediate EU action on aid to Gaza in an address at the European Parliament.
Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has addressed the European Parliament today during a session attended by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. Mullooly questioned recent statements by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding Israel’s right to self-defence and raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Mullooly asked, “President von der Leyen must clarify her recent remarks to the Prime Minister of Israel. Specifically, what does she mean by ‘the right to defend oneself’? What are the boundaries of that right? Because what we're witnessing in Gaza is not self-defence. It's the deliberate starvation of women and children. It's the obstruction of humanitarian aid, food, water and medical supplies to an entire population.”
He stated, “Even as a mother and as a former doctor, she knows what she's doing. This is the result of her words. As members of this Parliament, we cannot remain silent, ladies and gentlemen. We must take a stance.”
Mullooly continued, “The European Union has a moral duty, not just a diplomatic option, to intervene for the sake of the people. We must demand unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, including food and medicine. We can do these things, even outside of the Council. Mobilise EU resources immediately to assist relief efforts on the ground.”
He further said, “We must demand that Israel provide meaningful cooperation, not just rhetoric, to avoid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe. History will judge how we responded at this moment. Some people in this House should be ashamed of what they haven't done so far, we must not be found wanting.”
Mullooly’s remarks are part of ongoing discussions in the European Parliament regarding the EU’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is his second address to the Parliament in Strasbourg on the issue, following his previous intervention in November 2024, where he also emphasised the urgent need for increased EU action.