In a letter signed by their names, European parliamentarians called on members of the Israeli Parliament (the Knesset) to appoint a new head of their delegation for relations with the European Parliament to replace Knesset member Ariel Kalner unless he apologizes for his call for “a catastrophe that will overshadow the catastrophe of 1948” and deletes his vile tweets, according to the letter’s description.
The letter addressed to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana stated, “The undersigned members of the European Parliament express their deep concern and condemnation of the vile statements made by MK Ariel Kalner, head of the Knesset delegation for relations with the European Parliament, stressing that they not only undermine peace and dialogue efforts, but also lead to… It also perpetuates violence and exacerbates an already deteriorating situation.”
European parliamentarians considered it their duty, as elected representatives of the European Union, to uphold the principles of peace, human rights and international law, and they therefore express their sadness at MK Kalner making statements that further escalate tensions and hinder the prospects of reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The message stated that MK Kalner tweeted, “Right now, there is one goal, which is the Nakba. A Nakba that will overtake the Nakba of 1948. A Nakba in Gaza, and a Nakba for all who dare to join it.” To date, his tweet has not been deleted yet.
In addition to his writing, Kalner participated in the “Israel Victory Conference – Settlement Brings Security: The Return to the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria.” That conference called – according to Haaretz newspaper – for the restoration of settlement in the Gaza Strip and the displacement of the Palestinian population living there.
The parliamentarians reminded the Knesset member of the European Union’s firm position that all settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal under international law, and that the European Union will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including Jerusalem, except those agreed upon by the two parties.
The letter stated, “We remind MK Kalner and all Israeli officials of their obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. We also remind Kalner that the indiscriminate use of force and targeting of civilian infrastructure in Gaza constitutes a clear violation of these legal obligations, and that any attempts to justify such actions Or ignoring it is unacceptable.”
The parliamentarians’ message added that Kalner’s statements work to perpetuate the narrative of dehumanizing and demonizing the Palestinian people, calling on all parties concerned to refrain from using language that incites violence, and to work instead to build bridges and promote understanding.
“Therefore – the letter says – we ask the Knesset leadership to appoint a new head of the Knesset delegation for relations with the European Parliament, unless Kalner apologizes for these statements and deletes his vile tweets.
Among the signatories of this letter are:
Pierre Laruturo, Francesocialists and democrats.
Barry Andrews, IrelandRenewing Europe.
Irina Guevaeva, Slovenia Renewing Europe.
Brando Benevi, Italysocialists and democrats.
tener strike, HollandGreen Party/European Free Alliance.
Isascon Bilbao Barandica, SpainRenewing Europe.
Martina Michels, Germanythe left
Saskia Bricmont, BelgiumGreen Party/European Free Alliance.
Francisco Guerrero, PortugalGreen Party/European Free Alliance.
Abeer Al Sahlani, SwedenRenewing Europe.
Petros Kokkalis, Greeceleft…etc.