Opening: 16-19 October plenary session

Situation in Israel and Gaza

Anniversary of death of Samuel Paty and murder of Dominique Bernard

Six-year anniversary of assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

President Metsola opened the 16-19 October plenary session in Strasbourg with the following announcements.

Situation in Israel and Gaza

The situation in Israel and Gaza and the wider Middle East is at the top of our concerns, said President Metsola, adding that the reality on the ground is horrific, tragic and desperate, and innocent lives are at stake. The President underlined that Hamas is a terrorist group that does not represent the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people but hinders them and it must be stopped.

Last Friday, President Metsola travelled to Israel on the invitation of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) to express solidarity and to reiterate Parliament’s rejection of terrorism. She said “that how Israel responds to attack matters to all of us”. We must keep looking for solutions to the humanitarian consequences in Gaza in line with our obligations and international law, she added. The Parliament will always push for a fair two-state solution that is equitable and just, and for sustainable and lasting peace, she said, but sadly, the vile actions of Hamas terrorists have pushed this prospect further away.

The situation in Gaza remains impossible for so many, she said, adding that the focus must remain on ensuring that the hostages kidnapped are released unconditionally, that humanitarian aid reaches those in need and that civilians are not targeted. We should, she said, keep engaging with the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people and regional actors to deescalate tensions in the region and the neighbouring area.

Anniversary of death of teacher Samuel Paty and murder of Dominique Bernard

Today marks the anniversary of the tragic death of teacher Samuel Paty, the President said, and last Friday another teacher, Dominique Bernard, was murdered in a French school. This should strengthen our resolve to fight terrorism, added President Metsola, expressing Parliament’s solidarity with all victims and their loved ones.

Anniversary of assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia

Six years since the Maltese investigative journalist who exposed corruption and crime was assassinated, her voice, tenacity and her quest for truth continues to lives on through her family, civil society, her colleagues -who call for a robust legal framework to protect journalists-, and in the work of this House, said President Metsola. The European Parliament remembers her and we honour her legacy, she concluded.

Changes to the agenda

Wednesday

The sitting will start at 08:30.

The title of the key debate is changed to Council and Commission statements on The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Council and Commission statements on the Islamist terrorist attack on the French schools and the need to protect people and promote social cohesion (no resolution) are added in the afternoon. As a consequence, the sitting will be extended to 23:00.

Request by several committees to start negotiations with Council and Commission

Decisions by committees to enter into inter-institutional negotiations (Rule 71) are published on the plenary website.

If no request for a vote in Parliament on the decision to enter into negotiations is made by Tuesday 12.00 midnight, the committees may start negotiations.

Information concerning the distribution of votes is available under the section “Priority information”.

Outgoing MEPs

Yannick Jadot (Greens/EFA, France) as of 23 September 2023

Agnès Evren (EPP, France) as of 23 September 2023

Incoming MEPs

Lydie Massard (Greens/EFA, France) as of 24 September 2023

Laurence Sailliet (EPP, France) as of 24 September 2023