PAM calls for an immediate suspension of ongoing military operations in the Middle East

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean wishes to express its full and unanimous support for the appeal launched today by the UN Secretary-General to all parties in Gaza and Israel to immediately cease the fighting. 
 
PAM is extremely concerned by the great suffering and destruction caused by the military confrontation. The violent escalation has already caused the loss of too many innocent civilian lives, and among them those of many children.
 
The ongoing conflict could result in an uncontrollable security and humanitarian regional crisis, and reinforce violent extremism in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Israel, and the entire Middle East. 
 
All parties concerned must allow for mediation efforts to reach, in the shortest possible time, the suspension of the armed confrontation. PAM supports the United Nations and other regional organizations involved in such endeavours, and requests the unimpeded resumption of delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance to the civilian population in Gaza. 
 
PAM reiterates its position that only a sustainable and just political solution will lead to lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, and that the conflict must be resolved peacefully on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements, with courage, sacrifice and determination by all sides.//