The EPP (European People's Party) group has stripped of all practical effect the European Parliament resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza on January 18. This text led to intense negotiations as Europeans are divided on the issue and a common foreign policy is illusory. The EPP (right and center-right), the largest group in the European Parliament and whose largest contingent is made up of German MEPs, imposed two amendments (adopted by a very narrow majority) that significantly weakened the scope of the text. In fact, the ceasefire is conditional on the dismantling of Hamas and the release of hostages. As everyone knows, the dismantling of Hamas is not for tomorrow. As for the hostages, if Hamas is a terrorist movement, that does not mean it is incapable of negotiation, far from it. Once the hostages are released (everyone naturally wishes that would happen), what guarantees of a ceasefire will there be when Netanyahu says very clearly that he will do whatever he thinks is best, regardless of international pressure, including from the Biden administration?