The latest attacks by Israel on Iran, which threaten the stability of the entire region, must not make us lose sight of the fact that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached an intolerable level of severity. The killing and injuring of civilians, including those seeking humanitarian assistance, are unacceptable acts of brutality. The Council of Europe expresses its deep solidarity with all victims of this conflict.
The situation in Gaza continues to raise serious concerns regarding the Israeli authorities' compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law. Attacks on civilians - including children, aid workers and other protected persons - as well as starvation, forced displacement, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and restrictions on humanitarian access constitute serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and fundamental principles of international humanitarian and human rights law. The ban on international journalists in Gaza further hides the reality on the ground. Such restrictions are a direct threat to democratic security, which relies on transparency and accountability to prevent abuses and uphold the rule of law.
Since the outset, the Council of Europe has unequivocally condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2024 deliberately targeting civilians. The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages remains an imperative. However, while every state has the right to defend itself, such measures must strictly comply with international law, including the principle of proportionality. No act of terror, no matter how heinous, can justify a response that itself disregards fundamental principles of international law.
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe joins the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and other voices in demanding an immediate ceasefire, full and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, and the urgent resumption of a credible political process. The implementation of a two-state solution remains the only viable path toward a just and lasting peace - the only credible basis for peaceful coexistence based on human dignity and respect for international law.
The Secretary General calls on all member states of the Council of Europe to resolve, each according to their means, to protect civilian lives, uphold international law, and support multilateral diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. In particular, he urges those member states with influence in the region to use their voice and leverage to help uphold accountability and to restore the conditions for peace.
The Council of Europe reaffirms that the protection of human dignity and the strengthening democratic security must be an integral part of any response to this crisis. Furthermore, for a rules-based international order to be credible, international law must be respected by all, without double-standard.
