Belgian MP Benjamin Dalle (D has submitted a motion to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), calling for Israel’s observer status to be suspended due to its blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The motion will be discussed next week during PACE’s summer session in Strasbourg. If Israel does not agree to full and unconditional humanitarian access to Gaza, an immediate ceasefire, and the release of all hostages, it will lose its observer status until it complies with international humanitarian law and the Assembly’s repeated calls.
This status is not merely symbolic but is granted to states that respect the Council of Europe’s core values: human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Since 2 March 2025, independent NGOs have been unable to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The World Food Programme reported on 25 April that food supplies are exhausted, and the International Committee of the Red Cross warned of a total collapse of humanitarian operations on 2 May.
The motion also condemns crimes by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, including the attacks on 7 October and the ongoing hostage situation, but it holds Israel – as a sovereign state and observer – accountable for fulfilling its legal obligations under international law.
"It is unacceptable for a country systematically blocking humanitarian aid and violating international law in Gaza to continue having the privilege of discussing human rights in Strasbourg. If the Council of Europe wants to be taken seriously, it must act accordingly," Benjamin Dalle explained, further elaborating on his motion.
The motion has received support from members across various political factions. At least 20 signatures are required, with signatories from ALDE, SOC, and UEL groups. Dalle is a member of the EPP.
Israel's war in Gaza was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which saw around 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage. Currently, at least 56 hostages remain in Gaza – of whom around 20 are believed to be alive.
Meanwhile, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's military campaign, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Many Hamas fighters have also been killed during the fighting in Gaza.
