In a significant shift from its previous stance, the European Parliament has issued a plea for a "permanent ceasefire" in Gaza and urged the initiation of political efforts to find a solution to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The move comes as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 24,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The Parliament's previous position, established in October, had called for a humanitarian "pause" to increase the flow of aid to Gaza's civilians. The October vote received overwhelming support, with 500 votes in favor, 21 against, and 24 abstentions.

While left-leaning and centrist groups within the Parliament openly expressed their support for the ceasefire, members of the center-right European People's Party (EPP), the largest group in the chamber, had reservations. However, an amendment specifying that the ceasefire should be conditional on the release of all hostages held in Gaza and the dismantling of Hamas gained the support of EPP lawmakers.

Antonio López-Istúriz, an EPP lawmaker, highlighted the importance of dismantling terrorist organizations like Hamas for achieving sustainable peace. He emphasized that Hamas poses a threat to Israel, which is the only democracy in the region.

The Israeli mission to the EU welcomed the resolution, stating that it demonstrates the Parliament's understanding of the cause of the war and the means to end it. The representative added that they are pleased with the resolution's emphasis on the unconditional release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas as conditions for the ceasefire.

In addition to calling for a ceasefire, EU lawmakers also condemned Israel's "disproportionate" military response in Gaza and expressed support for a European-led initiative to revive the long-term diplomatic solution known as the two-state solution.

The resolution faced intense political negotiations, with Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans urging unity among EU lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of the EU's international credibility.

However, the condition of eradicating Hamas from the Gaza Strip poses a challenge, and both parties involved in the conflict will need to comply with a ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials have expressed satisfaction with the level of eradication of the Hamas network in Gaza, but there are reports of Hamas returning to areas claimed to be under Israeli control.

The European Council, representing the 27 member states of the EU, has not yet unanimously agreed to call for a ceasefire. While countries such as Belgium, Ireland, and Spain have appealed for a ceasefire, the Council's official line remains focused on "humanitarian pauses and corridors," implying a temporary interruption of hostilities rather than a continuous ceasefire.

Despite the lack of unanimous agreement within the European Council, the call for a permanent ceasefire voiced by the European Parliament adds to the growing international pressure on Israel and Hamas to end the violence and seek a lasting solution to the conflict in Gaza.