Maltese MEP Daniel Attard has argued that the reconstruction of Gaza will mean little unless it is built on justice, accountability and recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people.
Speaking during a European Parliament debate on Gaza’s reconstruction, Attard cited figures including 73,000 Palestinians killed, among them 21,000 children, almost 60,000 children who lost one or both parents, and 10,000 children left with life-changing injuries. He also referred to nearly two million displaced people, hundreds of thousands of destroyed homes and hundreds of journalists killed.
Attard criticised what he described as “hypocrisy” in the international response, asking whether the same caution would be shown if the victims were Ukrainian children or if the actions were being carried out by the Iranian regime.
He also condemned continued settler violence in the West Bank.
Attard said Israel has a right to exist, but insisted Palestine has the same right. He argued that recognising Palestine is not a punishment against Israel but a recognition of the Palestinian people’s rights.
Without justice and recognition, Attard said there can be no lasting peace or meaningful reconstruction.
Follow News Of Malta 🇲🇹 for the latest stories and updates.
