Hon. Michele Piras, the European President of the League of Parliamentarians for Palestine, embarked on a crucial networking effort across Europe, culminating in his recent visit to Strasbourg and Brussels on the 18th and 19th of October. During this visit, he participated in a series of significant meetings with prominent figures, including Manu Pineda, Chairman of the European Parliamentarian delegation for Palestine; Marc Botenga, MEP and leader of the Belgian Workers Party; Pierre Galand, former MP and member of the ECCP; Malik Ben Achour, Belgian MP; and Ahmed Laaouej, Chairman of the Socialist group of the Belgian federal Parliament.

The primary focus of these bilateral meetings was the dire situation in Gaza, which drew severe condemnation from each individual for the indiscriminate bombings carried out by Israel on civilians and the subsequent disproportionate response to Hamas attacks.

In particular, Hon. Manu Pineda, who had been undertaking a delicate visit to the Lebanese refugee camps, emphasized that the Palestinian issue is at a turning point, both for Israel and the Arab world. Pineda stated, "We know how wars start, but we're not able to predict how they will end." Calling for a new European approach that balances interests and supports the essential rights of Palestinians.

Furthermore, Belgian Prime Minister Sir Alexander De Croo, in his address at the European Commission meeting, called for full respect for international law. He highlighted the horrific events unfolding in the Gaza Strip and the historical violations committed by Israel, which have de facto denied Palestinians their right to a state and self-determination. Belgium's stance aligns with that of the Spanish Minister, Mrs. Irene Montero, making it the second significant position taken by a European government.

The latest news from the European Network of Parliamentarians for Palestine confirms that Europe is not a monolithic pro-Israeli bloc and that change is finally underway.

British MP Crispin Blunt, chair of the Conservatives group for Palestine, joined the European Network following a strong condemnation of Israel's raids on Gaza. This move serves as a tangible demonstration of the shifting perspectives, even within conservative circles.

Hon. Marc Botenga reaffirmed his commitment to the network and stressed the urgency of collective action, particularly in the face of the current dire situation. He advocated for a ceasefire and the recognition of a free and independent Palestinian state, emphasizing that Palestinians have the right to determine their own future and path to democracy.

The meeting in Brussels with Socialist Parliamentarian representatives proved particularly insightful, as it addressed the discussed issues and called for the establishment of a robust organization within the network. This proposed organization would have its own resources, an executive board, and active policies, with a focus on engaging more Belgian MPs in the European organization.

Michele Piras emphasized, "More generally, what we are witnessing is a significant cultural crisis, particularly concerning the European mission in the Mediterranean region. However, crisis also presents an opportunity. This is the moment to rally against the warmongering tendencies within a faction of the European establishment, challenge the unacceptable double standards, and reject the notion that Israel can act in violation of international law, including the Geneva Convention and human rights."

As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, these meetings and the growing momentum within the European Network of Parliamentarians for Palestine signify a potential turning point in the quest for a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.