Strasbourg, 20 January 2025
Member of the European Parliament Željana Zovko made a speech today on the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal at the plenary session in Strasbourg.
She underlined the ceasefire and hostage deal is a significant result of a joint effort by outgoing and incoming US administration with Egyptians and Qatari partners.
Zovko stressed it shows once again that when the US accept to play its role fully on the global stage, it bears fruit.
She also stated that with the release of first hostages we have seen pictures of happy families reunited with their loved ones. However, many more are waiting in a state of unmeasurable fear to find out about the faith of remaining hostages.
Zovko added the deal must be implemented. Hostages must be returned home and essential aid to Gaza must go unhindered.
She also highlighted that as we are preparing to pay for the reconstruction of Gaza, the EU should question itself and think about its role in fostering a permanent peace.
“The priority is that the Palestinians put the power back in the hands of the authorities that should be democratically elected. Palestinians should not be ruled by Hamas terrorists who only cause tears on both sides.”
Let us remind that Zovko is strongly committed to a long lasting peace in the Middle East and was Chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission in Jordan for September parliamentary elections in the country in 2024.