Brussels: A European Parliament member (MEP) on Thursday denounced the European 'hypocrisy' in universal human rights and the underestimation of the humanitarian situation in Gaza by Polish officials. 'It shows how hypocritical Europe is when it speaks of 'universal human rights',' Belgian MEP Marc Botenga told Anadolu.
According to Anadolu Agency, the remarks came as Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szlapka and his colleague were joking and laughing during a plenary session on Tuesday on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Botenga criticized this behavior, stating, 'Such disdain for human life, for Palestinians as human beings, is an absolute scandal,' and emphasized that Szlapka and his colleague should be 'deeply ashamed' and apologize.
Botenga also shared a video on X showing the moment he warned Szlapka during the session, asking him to stop laughing. 'It's not funny, Palestinians are human beings too. You should be ashamed of yourselves. And that's what's so characteristic of the European Union today. A contempt for the lives of Palestinians,' he said.
He highlighted that although the worsening situation in Gaza was mentioned, the underlying reasons were not addressed. 'Why is it getting worse? Because Israel is blocking all humanitarian aid, all food, and even electricity,' Botenga said, pointing out that this situation leaves Palestinians without access to basic needs.
Botenga urged for an end to European complicity and lack of respect for Palestinian lives, warning of consequences, 'So today, this European complicity and lack of respect for the lives of the Palestinians must come to an end, because there will be a price to pay. I promise you that,' he further added.
The conflict has resulted in over 48,500 deaths, mostly women and children, due to an Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 2023. A ceasefire and prisoner swap deal paused the assault in January. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.