‘’ We are pleased that the resolution states clearly that a ceasefire is provided upon the unconditional release of all hostages and the dismantling of the terrorist organization Hamas,’’ said the Israeli mission to the EU.

The European Parliament has called for a “permanent ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza which should be conditional on the release of all hostages held in Gaza and the “dismantling” of terrorist group Hamas.

It was adopted after an amendment tabled by conservative lawmakers was passed, insisting that Hamas needed to be dismantled for a ceasefire to happen and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

The resolution, adopted by 312 votes in favour, 131 against and 72 abstentions during the plenary session of the EU assembly  in Strasbourg, also calls for the start of political efforts to find a solution to the war.

According to Euronews, the ceasefire plea represents a significant shift in the Parliament’s previous position, agreed in October, which called for a humanitarian “pause” to step up the flow of aid reaching Gaza’s civilians.

Left-leaning and centrist politicial groups backed the ceasefire call while members of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP),  the largest group in the EU parliament expressed reservations.

“Sustainable peace cannot exist as long as Hamas and other terrorist groups hijack the Palestinian cause and threat the existence of Israel, the only democracy in the region,” stated Spanish MEP Antonio López-Istúriz, for the EPP group, during the debate.

In a reaction, the Israeli mission to the European Union said the resolution ‘’reflects that the European Parliament has an understanding of the cause of the war and the means to end it.’’

‘’ We are pleased that the resolution states clearly that a ceasefire is provided upon the unconditional release of all hostages and the dismantling of the terrorist organization Hamas,’’ the mission added.