The European Parliament (EP) called yesterday, Wednesday, on the European Union and its member states to support in principle the recognition of a Palestinian state. 

The EP meeting in Strasbourg yesterday adopted by 338 votes in favour, 195 against and 102 abstentions a resolution expressing their firm support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with two sovereign and democratic states and with Jerusalem as the common capital, according to a statement by the EP. 

The resolution also calls for full respect for international law while reiterating the EU's commitment to the equal rights of all Israelis and Palestinians. 

The European Parliament stresses the importance of respect for international law in the search for a just and lasting peaceful two-state solution, said the rapporteur of the recommendation Evin Incir, a Swedish MEP after the vote. 

 "A strong and democratic Palestinian Authority is an essential element to achieve this goal. The end of the occupation and the expansion of Israeli settlements is equally vital," Incir stressed. 

The resolution affirms that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law and demands their immediate end. 

Stressing that these settlements constitute a major obstacle to the viability of the two-state solution, including lasting peace and security, MEPs call for further efforts to end the latest round of settlement-related violence and declare that the EU should consider specifically sanctioning the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.  

They also express concern that EU policy and EU financial assistance in the Palestinian territories are undermined by illegal settlements and demand compensation for the demolition of all EU-funded infrastructure in the region. 

The text notes that in 2022, 101 structures financed by the EU or EU member States worth 337,019 euros (374,789 USD) were demolished or seized by the Israeli occupation forces.  

The resolution reaffirms the EU's strong support for the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as for its impartiality and neutrality. 

However, the Deputies note the limited progress in the ongoing ICC investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the occupied Palestinian territories.  

They also ask the EU to commit to helping the ICC and its prosecutor to advance the investigation and prosecution.