Mediterranean Parliaments Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Members of parliaments from Mediterranean countries called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza at the conclusion of their meetings today, Friday, in Rabat. They urged the resumption of efforts to reach a political solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians based on the two-state principle. The "Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean," in its 17th session held in Rabat yesterday and concluding today, expressed its condemnation of the "escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the resulting human casualties," emphasizing the "necessity of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in accordance with international humanitarian law." They also expressed their "rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for ensuring a sufficient, safe, and smooth flow of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip." The assembly was established in 2004 with the aim of "mobilizing parliamentary support for the implementation of commitments made at the governmental level." The discussions also covered a range of topics including climate change, migration issues, human trafficking, organized crime, terrorism, and security risks that require joint cooperation.