The IPU is following with great concern the fighting in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
We strongly condemn the attacks by Hamas against Israeli towns and are concerned by reports that citizens have been taken hostage. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the hundreds who have been killed and to all those who have been affected by the fighting on both sides.
We call for the release of all citizens who have been abducted. Civilians should never be used as pawns for political purposes or in war, which is contrary to international humanitarian law.
We urge both sides to show maximum restraint to avoid more bloodshed. We call on parliamentarians from the region to come together to find diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation of the situation. The IPU offers its good offices to facilitate dialogue in this regard.
Duarte Pacheco, IPU President and Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General.
