BRUSSELS / PNN /

One hundred members of the European Parliament, representing all political groups, have signed a written question submitted by Sandro Ruotolo (S&D – PD) urging EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to press the United Nations to establish an international commission of inquiry into attacks on journalists in Gaza, as well as mechanisms to ensure their protection in Palestine.

The initiative follows two recent strikes in which Israeli forces killed six Al Jazeera journalists near al-Shifa Hospital and five more at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis.

Ruotolo, the head of the Italian delegation in the Socialists and Democrats bloc, met in Brussels with Youssef Habash, head of the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate branch in Europe, and Shorouq al-Asaad, a syndicate member. 

The pair delivered the letter bearing the signatures of the 100 MEPs.

Habash outlined the syndicate’s work in Europe and the importance of initiatives and projects to mobilise support for Palestinian journalists and justice in Palestine. Lawmakers were also briefed on upcoming activities, including plans to send a “journalists’ boat” to Gaza in coordination with several media organisations and unions.

Al-Asaad described the dire reality faced by Palestinian journalists in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, stressing that her colleagues are enduring a war of extermination. She called on European leaders to align their positions with Europe’s own stated values and principles.

During the meeting, the head of the Italian S&D delegation said Europe’s failure to act reflected the choices of many EU governments, which, beyond issuing statements, have obstructed meaningful initiatives. “We are working to ensure the European Parliament adopts a clear and formal resolution — a crucial step in affirming the Palestinian people’s right to truth and justice,” he said.

Ruotolo added that those who target journalists are in fact targeting the public’s right to know the truth. “That is why we call on the EU to take decisive action: we need a commission of inquiry and international protection mechanisms for those risking their lives daily just to report what is happening,” he said. 

He also voiced strong support for the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate’s plan to launch a boat of journalists bound for Gaza, calling it “a courageous and genuine act that deserves our backing.”