During an urgent debate held today in Strasbourg, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), meeting in plenary session, once more called for “an urgent end to the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which worsens day by day”, and paid particular attention to the protection of journalists in Gaza so that they can carry out their work in safety.

The resolution adopted by PACE, based on proposals by Lord Michael German (United Kingdom, ALDE), emphasises that “the deliberate targeting” of civilians and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure “cannot be justified under the pretext of self-defence” and represent “grave violations of international humanitarian law”.

While reiterating its call for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza”, PACE demanded “an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire”. It also called for “the immediate and unhindered entry and distribution of humanitarian aid” and urged Israel to immediately stop targeting journalists in addition to civilians.

“The expansion of military operations targeting Gaza City, beginning in August 2025, have intensified the already intolerable human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe,” said the parliamentarians, deploring that Israel has not responded to repeated calls to allow unhindered food and medical supplies into Gaza. This deliberate obstruction of humanitarian relief there also constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian law, according to the adopted resolution.

In addition, PACE deplores “the exceptionally high number of journalists killed or injured in Gaza,” recalling that journalists and media workers are civilians under international humanitarian law, and calling on all parties “to ensure their protection and safe and unhindered access to Gaza and conflict areas.”

PACE condemned all reported attacks and acts of harassment against the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza, underlining that the flotilla was a “civilian and non-violent initiative” aimed at delivering humanitarian aid and drawing attention to the longstanding blockade of Gaza.

Finally, the Parliamentary Assembly invited Council of Europe member states to devise and put in place special rehabilitation programmes for Palestinian children.