Roberta Metsola in Gaza: First European Leader in Over a Decade. Historic Visit for Ceasefire and Hostage Release

The President of the European Parliament, Robert Metsol, She became the first European leader to enter the Gaza Strip in more than a decade. Crossing the Rafah border, Metsola stressed the importance of European support for the ceasefire and humanitarian aid for the local population.At this critical moment for the region and the world, I wanted to be present to witness the crucial role of Europe in bringing aid to Gaza and in supporting peace efforts.,” the president declared.

Metsola's arrival comes at a particularly sensitive moment in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Hamas announced it will release three more hostages by Saturday, respecting the agreement reached with Israel. The Israeli government, for its part, confirmed that he will uphold the ceasefire agreement if Hamas respects the timetable for the release of the hostages.

Metsola: “Greater humanitarian commitment needed”

During the visit to Gaza, Metsola reiterated the need for increase European humanitarian aid in support of the Palestinian population. The humanitarian crisis in the Strip has reached dramatic levels, especially after more than a year of clashes and tensions.Europe is ready to do everything possible to ensure stability and respect for the ceasefire agreements,” added Metsola.

The President of the European Parliament also visited the border crossing Kerem Shalom, One of the main transit points for humanitarian aid to Gaza. She was updated on the developments of the European civilian mission Eubam, which operates along the border with Egypt, and has closely observed the humanitarian aid distribution operations.

Diplomatic breakthrough: hostage exchange and ceasefire

Signs of a possible diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and Hamas materialized in Cairo, where Egyptian and Qatari mediators facilitated negotiations. Israel has made it clear that it expects the release of three hostages alive by Saturday, while Hamas confirmed its willingness to respect the planned schedule.

The agreement is still fragile, but it could represent an important step in avoiding a new escalation of the conflict. Israel has reiterated, however, that it will return to military operations if the agreement is not respected.

Metsola meets Israeli and Palestinian leaders

Metsola's visit also extended to other territories in the Middle East. During his trip, he met with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Tel Aviv., discussing the European role in the peace process and humanitarian efforts.

His visit then includes a stop at Ramallah, seat of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), where will meet the head of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Hussein al Sheikh, and Reem Al-Hajajra, Director of Women of the Sun, a Palestinian association working for women's emancipation candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.

 Metsola stressed the importance of to keep alive the dialogue between the two parties and to promote the construction of a peaceful future through the two-state solution.

Europe's Role in the Middle East Crisis

Metsola's visit is part of a series of European initiatives aimed at Strengthen diplomatic and humanitarian presencein the region. In a recent resolution of the European Parliament, the EU called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages, the dismantling of Hamas and the resumption of the peace process for the creation of two states: one Jewish and one Palestinian.

President Metsola, during her visits, is in fact reaffirming Europe's commitment to intensify efforts to support regional stability and ensure a peaceful solution to the conflictor. “Peace is only possible if all parties involved commit to respecting agreements and putting people's lives first," he has declared.