Paris - Yesterday, Friday, the European Network convened its first meeting at the French National Assembly. The gathering, organized by the European President of the League, Michele Piras, in collaboration with French MP Thomas Portes and honorary MP Jean-Claude Lefort, brought together twenty parliamentarians from across Europe to discuss crucial issues pertaining to the Palestinian crisis.

The meeting commenced with a robust debate on several key points. Foremost among them was the pressing need for Europe to take decisive action to halt the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Participants advocated for measures such as the cessation of military cooperation with Israel, an arms embargo, an immediate ceasefire, and the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians. Additionally, support was voiced for pursuing legal avenues, including actions before the International Court of Justice, to ensure severe condemnation of Israeli crimes.

Another pivotal issue discussed was the recognition of an independent Palestinian State. The parliamentarians stressed the importance of formulating policies based on the full respect of International Law, Human Rights, and the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people. They also deliberated on the development of effective and coordinated actions among European institutional representatives, as well as strategies for addressing the current situation and organizing a sustainable framework for future endeavors.

Integral to the discussions was the establishment of the European Network as a federal entity, comprising an International Secretariat and national levels. Participants explored ways to secure economic resources to ensure the network's effective functioning. Furthermore, they contemplated the network's relationship with other international entities, such as the League of Parliamentarians for Al-Quds.

The European Network has already garnered more than 160 adherents, and recent developments in Scotland and Ireland indicate the potential for further growth. In light of this, the participants emphasized the need to move forward with their activities, issuing a strong declaration and extending a renewed call for European parliamentarians to join the organization. They also outlined plans for a formal public launch in the coming months.

French MP Thomas Portes shared his firsthand experience of the dire situation in Palestine during his recent visit, expressing his deep concern for the plight of those living in the occupied territories, including Gaza, despite being unable to enter the Gaza Strip.

The meeting marked a turning point in European politics as, for the first time, European parliamentarians pledged to build a united organization focused solely on the Palestinian issue, transcending party affiliations and political ideologies. This unity was seen as a revolutionary development within the European political landscape.

To ensure continued progress, the attending MPs committed to advancing the network's formation, aiming to finalize its structure by autumn 2024.

As a result of the meeting, the parliamentarians established an initial international coordination board, which will strive to enhance the network's effectiveness, leading to more visible and impactful outcomes both within public discourse and at the institutional level.