ISTANBUL

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, based in the northern French city of Strasbourg, approved a motion on Wednesday calling for an immediate end to the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian children and women, as well as hostages in the Gaza Strip.

The motion was passed with 90 votes in favor, 18 against, and 14 abstentions.

It highlighted that Israel's attacks on Gaza have resulted in an "unimaginable" humanitarian crisis, with many fatalities, including health and humanitarian workers, over the past year.

The motion emphasized the need for the protection of civilians and the provision of basic necessities, urging the opening of several access routes for humanitarian aid to reach the region.

It also stressed that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees should continue its work in the area and called for the release of prisoners.

Irish delegate Fiona O'Loughlin, in her speech at the assembly discussions, said nearly every day, 10 children lose limbs and that 20,000 Gazan children are now orphans.

She pointed out that over 96% of women and children in Gaza are unable to meet their basic food needs, calling for more humanitarian aid to reach the region.

Portuguese delegate Edite Estrela stressed Palestinians' need for peace in the region to rebuild their lives and homes, expressing support for the rights of Palestinian women and children.

Estrela also condemned the ongoing violence and destruction, pointing out the significant loss of civilian life due to continuous bombing and attacks.

Israel killed more than 47,000 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, after attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas.

The relentless bombardment has displaced most of Gaza’s population, led to shortages of food and other necessities, and left much of the enclave in ruins. A ceasefire has been in place since Jan. 19.