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As the largest umbrella organisation of women’s rights groups in Europe, the EWL calls on all international actors to uphold international humanitarian law and to ensure the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720, together with the UN Resolution 1325 (2000) and its agenda on Women, Peace and Security. We aim for continued, unimpeded, and secure humanitarian access into and through Gaza, with priority first given to the urgent needs of vulnerable groups, especially for women and children. All channels and routes for essential humanitarian assistance, including medical aid, food, water, shelter, and sanitation supplies, must be opened and secured following the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as outlined in United Nations General Assembly Resolutions 46/182 and 58/114.
By our core values, the EWL remains steady in our commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights for all. We strongly condemn the continued blockade of humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and all violations of international humanitarian law.
The EWL reiterates its call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and an end to hostilities. Innocent civilians face daily threats to their lives, with disproportionate numbers of women and children, and we stand with them in solidarity to secure the protection, dignity, and access to which they are entitled.
The EWL expresses deep concern over the devastating and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which continues to impact women and children disproportionately. According to the most recent data, with over 53,000 reported fatalities and 119,000 injuries, the human toll is staggering. More than 1.1 million women and girls lack access to clean water, approximately 690,000 live in overcrowded shelters, 328,000 girls are out of school, and an estimated 162,000 women are at risk of or suffering from preventable diseases. In line with our core values – peace, justice, solidarity, and respect – the EWL calls for immediate and decisive action to alleviate suffering and protect civilians.
The EWL urges all parties to allow humanitarian actors, aid, and assistance to reach Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. We urge EU authorities, namely European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President António Costa, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Member States, and all other relevant and responsible actors to demand an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages, and for peace negotiations to continue.
