To fully understand the gravity of current events, it is imperative to examine the historical background that has shaped the relationship between Israel And Hamas, as well as conducting an analysis of events in the area in recent years. Over the past 4 or 5 years, many people have worked to normalize relations between Israel and Arab countries, making significant progress. However, global polarization interfered with this process.

IranPalestine, as a theocratic state belonging to an autocratic axis, could not tolerate the rapprochement between Israel and the Arab countries, since from the moment of its founding it viewed Israel as an enemy. By supporting and funding terrorist groups such as Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, he has unleashed a new conflict in an apparent attempt to undermine Israel’s international relations with its neighbors and put innocent lives at risk. And, in turn, this did Russia a favor by shifting the focus of Western attention away from Ukraine.

In a democracy, we condemn any form of violence as a means of resolving disputes.

The brutality of the terrorist attacks on October 7 reminds us of dark times in history that we in Europe have decided not to repeat. Innocent citizens are torn from their homes, tortured, killed or kidnapped. Children, women and the elderly have become victims of the most ruthless terror, opening wounds that will not heal for a long time.

In a democracy, we condemn any form of violence as a means of resolving disputes. However, we are faced with actors who do not share our values ​​and use any weapon, including terrorism, to achieve their goals. It is therefore vital that Western democracies remain united in the fight against these attacks.

Last Thursday, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning terrorist attacks on Israel and defending Israel’s right to self-defense. During the parliamentary debates, it was regrettable to observe those who refrained from openly condemning terrorism, a position that was also taken in Spain by members of the same party. However, even in the midst of attacks, we were able to reach an agreement and reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense and guarantee the protection of its citizens. At a time of great tension, the European Parliament remains committed to the principles of peace, security and diplomacy.

We must not forget that Israel is the only democracy in the region, a country that is constantly under attack, but which only entered the fight to defend itself. On its northern border, Lebanon is a failed state, effectively ruled by Hezbollah. In the south, Egypt is already dealing with its own problems with terrorism present in the region through the Muslim Brotherhood, which is why this week it is reluctant to open its borders with the Gaza Strip to refugees. Syria has been mired in debilitating war for years, and Jordan, a constitutional monarchy, has enjoyed years of peace and stability that will be hard to shake off given the situation facing its neighbors after years of internal conflict, terrorism and regional conflicts.

Palestine must be able to participate in the prosperity that is happening in this region.

The axis of countries that do not like our way of life based on democracy, freedom and human rights have an easy target in the region. Therefore, we must also support Israel. Stability in the region requires solving the problems of the Palestinian people. And this solution depends on establishing and committing to peace, establishing democracy, respecting human rights and promoting economic prosperity. Palestine should be able to share in the prosperity that is happening in the region, or at least has happened so far, thanks to the Abraham Accords.

Only joint efforts and approaches that promote long-term stability will achieve a solution to this conflict. Through dialogue and cooperation, we can strive for a future in which there is peace in the Middle East, and to achieve this, the international community must demonstrate a united voice if it is to play a decisive role in facilitating this process. And the truth is that we have no choice, because the enemy is not going to make it easy for us.

Antonio Lopez-Isturiz He has been a Member of the European Parliament for the People’s Party since 2002. From 2002 to 2022 he was Secretary General of the European People’s Party.