No, I didn’t stop. Never.

What the state of Israel is doing, especially in Gaza, is being described by many as genocide. Can a person disagree with this? I find that hard to believe.

In late December, South Africa took a historic step by documenting the allegations of genocide in an 84-page report, which was then submitted to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

South Africa also bases its accusations against Israel of genocide and the destruction of a significant portion of the Palestinian ethnic group in the broader context of apartheid – an institutionalized regime of oppression – and the dominance of one racial group over another. And honestly, who else understands apartheid better?

Despite the Israeli regime’s persistent claims that it is acting solely in self-defense in response to the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7 (which I have repeatedly condemned and continue to condemn, and will always do, to be clear), this in no way justifies the crimes that we have all witnessed on a daily basis for months. Even less can it justify the institutional segregation to which Palestinians have been subjected for 77 years, including 56 years of Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories and 16 years of total blockade of Gaza.

It will therefore be important that the International Court of Justice, even before the final verdict (which will probably take some time), takes immediate interim measures to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza and the associated forced displacement of its residents, and to order access to humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.

Therefore, today, on the day that South Africa presents its arguments against Israel at the Peace Palace, I am publicly announcing that I have sent two letters to the European Commission and the High Representative Josep Borrell with strong political pressure in the form of parliamentary questions, to which they are obliged to give me a written answer within six weeks of the handover, in accordance with Article 138 of the Rules of Procedure.

I demand further steps from the European Union in relation to Israel’s actions, I ask for a consistent response from the community.

Will the European Commission, as the EU body responsible for implementing the treaties, examine the validity of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which is based on respect for human rights and democratic principles (Article 2), which are being openly violated in Gaza?

In the face of the increasing violence in the West Bank, will the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, propose the introduction of a visa ban for residents of illegal Israeli settlements in the European Union? Does the High Representative intend to submit to the Council of the European Union a freeze on the assets of Israeli settlers and a ban on all trade between the EU and illegal Israeli settlements?

What steps does the High Representative or the EU intend to take towards an immediate cessation of hostilities, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, a return to the peace process and the preparation of a peace plan that will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state and its international recognition by all EU Member States?

Does the EU intend to ban companies from EU Member States from trading with companies operating in these settlements?

If not, why the hell not? If yes, for God’s sake, when?!

In accordance with my powers, I will of course continue to raise my voice. I will continue to closely monitor developments, keep you regularly informed about my activities, and continue to strive for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people TOO to live a normal and dignified life in THEIR territory.

– Irena