In response to Israel’s continuous assaults on Gaza since 7 October, 384 members of parliament from 28 countries, including 62 from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), have called for an immediate ceasefire.
The death toll of Palestinians has neared 23,000, with injuries reaching 58,166, and an estimated 1.9 million displaced due to the attacks.
This multinational plea, supported by lawmakers from the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Ghana and Chile, demands an immediate halt to the conflict. High-profile signatories include Ralf Stegner and Nina Scheer of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn from the UK, and representatives from several European Union countries. Niyazi Kızılyürek, a member of the Cyprus Republic’s parliament, also endorsed the call.
The statement, crafted by US Muslim legislator Ilhan Omar and German MP Sevim Dağdelen, calls for an end to hostilities, the release of hostages, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In Dağdelen’s office, a declaration emphasised the urgent need for a multilateral ceasefire in Israel and Palestine, the liberation of all Israeli and international hostages, and the easing of humanitarian aid access to Gaza. The statement also urges governments and the international community to adhere to international law and seek accountability for severe human rights violations.
Dağdelen highlighted the nonpartisan nature of the appeal, stating, “The unity of so many MPs across party lines is a strong signal for peace and an end to violence. What is needed is the cessation of violence and an end to the humanitarian disaster.”