EU votes that Palestine should have its own state as part of UN resolution?

Yes I definitely think the current Israeli regime is the problem, for them this is not really about Hamas anymore (not convinced it ever was tbh), and certainly not about the hostages (sadly). They have another agenda, and a ceasefire and 2SS don’t fit with that agenda!

So - the EU has set a bar that accords with international laws - and it is too high for Israel to reach under its current political regime.

I hope it keeps the pressure on Israel

Yes - we can agree that the ceasefire proposals from Hamas dont meet Netanyahu’s “requirements” which a significant proportion of Israelis from their polling comes down to “political reasons.” That is Netanyahu’s political survival.

The EU has some power over Israel- I would like to see it being used for pushing for a ceasefire.

It also appears we agree that a 2SS is very far - particularly as can be seen by increasing settlements significantly in the WB.

It also appears we agree that EU should be pressing Israel on increasing humanitarian aid and access to healthcare.

It doesn’t meet Netanyahu’s requirements and he won’t do it so pointless to demand it. Same as the two state solution except neither Hamas nor Israel will consider that at the present time.

And yes - if this makes Israel increase essential aid and adequately respond to the humanitarian crisis - than EU actions will have already been effective.

Hamas are proposing a ceasefire that would allow release of hostages and development of an alternative governance regime in Gaza that could sideline and defund Hamas. I imagine that’s why so many people in Israel want the ceasefire to happen now.

Completely agree that EU cannot force Israel to agree to a 2SS. That does not mean that they cannot express their displeasure at moves that prevent this and to continue to consider if Israel continues to break international law -and what this means with regard to the EU and Israel association.

I imagine this is why Israel is so angry about EU considering as a block that it should recognise Palestine as a state. Netanyahu has made it clear who he thinks the land belongs to.

No Hamas aren’t agreeing to terms that would allow a ceasefire & the release of hostages because they aren’t agreeing to disarm & leave Gaza.

The EU can play an important role in pressuring Israel to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza and individual countries can impose sanctions.

What the European Parliament can’t do is get Hamas to release the Israeli hostages or get either side to commit to a 2 state solution.

The basics need to be there first. If the EU action can cause adequate provision of essential goods into Gaza first and the provision of adequate health cover that is a vital start.

A ceasefire and release of hostages is also an imminent need. Hamas are agreeing to terms that would allow this and the introduction of an alternative governance structure that could further sideline and defund Hamas.

I don’t have hope Israel will listen but the EU will continue to investigate the concerns about international law being broken. This may ultimately lead to further review of the Israel EU association.

I also imagine that the EU has more access to information about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza that we have available.

Agree there’s nothing pointless about wanting sufficient food to get into Gaza.

But that isn’t what we were discussing. We were discussing this particular vote by the European Parliament which includes terms they well know won’t be achieved like the Israeli hostages being released because they are demanding it.

And who is supposed to be recommitting to a two-state solution? Hamas doesn’t want it, Netanyahu doesn’t want it. Neither of them will “recommit” to it.

There’s nothing pointless about wanting sufficient food to get into Gaza - Israel increased aid previously after discussions with the EU, so the EU clearly has some leverage.

Here is a statement from the EU- tell me what you think is pointless and dishonest in the below:

The Parliament strongly condemns the Israeli government’s obstruction of humanitarian aid, which is engineering a famine in Northern Gaza, and calls for all relevant border crossings to be opened. It calls urgently for UNRWA’s full mandate and funding to be reinstated, with robust oversight, and opposes the current aid distribution system.
MEPs are alarmed by the severe food shortages and malnutrition resulting from restricted humanitarian aid and stress the urgent need for full, safe, and unhindered access to essentials such as food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. They demand the immediate restoration of vital infrastructure and call on all parties to respect their humanitarian obligations under international law.
Israel’s right to self-defence
MEPs demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. They urge the EU to exert diplomatic leverage on third countries to pressure Hamas to secure their release.
The Parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms the “barbaric crimes” committed by Hamas against Israel and calls for concrete sanctions against the terrorist group. It reiterates its commitment to Israel’s security and its “inalienable right to self-defence” in full compliance with international law, noting that Israel remains a key EU partner in the fight against regional terrorism.
However, MEPs stress that Israel’s right to defend itself cannot justify indiscriminate military action in Gaza and express concern over the continuous military operations in the Gaza Strip, which have led to unbearable suffering for civilian population, while also denouncing Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields.
Investigation into violations of international law
The resolution endorses the Commission President’s decision to suspend EU bilateral support to Israel, and to partially suspend the EU-Israel agreement as regards trade. MEPs want full investigations into all war crimes and violations of international law and for all those responsible to be held to account. Parliament also supports EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and activists in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and calls for sanctions on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Support for the two-state solution
Parliament urges all EU institutions and member states to take diplomatic steps to ensure commitment to a two-state solution, aiming for progress before the UN General Assembly in September. It stresses the need for total demilitarisation of Gaza and exclusion of Hamas from governance, calling for a reformed Palestinian Authority to be restored as the sole governing body. Hamas and other terrorist groups should lose all political and military control in Gaza, say MEPs, who also encourage EU countries to enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants.
The establishment of a Palestinian State is key to peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalisation, according to Parliament. Member states should consider recognising the State of Palestine, it concludes, with a view to carrying through the two-state solution.
The resolution was adopted by 305 votes in favour, 151 against, and 122 abstentions.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250905IPR30185/parliament-pushes-for-gaza-aid-the-hostages-release-and-justice

It just shows how dishonest the whole thing is that they demand the release of Israeli hostages knowing full well Hamas aren’t one bit interested in what the European Parliament wants.

As you say yourself, “they won’t do so”.

And Israel won’t agree a ceasefire until Hamas agree to disarm and leave Gaza so the whole thing seems pretty pointless to me.

Of course Hamas should release all the hostages immediately. They won’t do so but have suggested a ceasefire deal with Israel which would allow the release of hostages and an opportunity of a different governance structure to be put into place.

Is it wrong to expect more from the democratic state of Israel than the terrorist organisation with regard to respect for international law - the breaking of which after all is why EU is raising these concerns?

I expect the Hamas leadership will be having a radical rethink now the European Parliament has passed a resolution that they “release Israeli hostages”.

The fact that this passed is a considerable step - it is more the signal it gives to Israel rather than a significant punitive measure.

“She also announced a freeze on financial support to the Israeli government: €6m (£5.2m) annual regional funds and a €14m grant for public institutions.”