Peace and war and the violation of international law: the cases of Cyprus and Palestine
“Study Days” of the Left Group in the European Parliament
5 February 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
On the second day of the deliberations of the “Study Days” organised by the Left Group in the European Parliament, a thematic debate was held entitled “Peace and war and the violation of international law” focusing on the cases of Cyprus and Palestine.
The discussion on Cyprus was chaired by Irene Montero, Spanish MEP for Podemos and Vice-President of the Left Group, who expressed her admiration for the Cypriot people for their long struggle for freedom and justice against the illegal Turkish occupation.
In her introductory remarks, the Head of the Cyprus Problem Office of AKEL, Stavri Kalopsidiotou, noted, bearing in mind the turbulent international situation, the need for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the UN and within the framework of International Law. Within this framework, she outlined AKEL’s proposal for the elaboration of a roadmap that would contribute to the resumption of negotiations so that the Cyprus problem could be brought to a comprehensive solution on the agreed basis of a solution with the safeguarding of the acquis of the negotiations.
Next, the Greek Cypriot Negotiator for the Cyprus problem, Menelaos Menelaou, presented a historical overview of the negotiations up to 2017 and the current initiatives to resume negotiations. He noted that despite the failure of the efforts at Crans-Montana, there is a significant legacy of convergences that offers a prospect of hope, utilising the change in the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community.
MEP Joao Oliveira, of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), stressed the importance of international solidarity with the Cypriot people. In the face of the law of the mighty and the violence that is currently unfolding, the struggle to solve the Cyprus problem is an excellent international example of the importance of defending International Law. He underlined that the European Left will continue to stand by the Cypriot people in the European Parliament, actively supporting Cyprus’ struggle against the Turkish occupation.
The discussion on Palestine was chaired by AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou, who opened the debate by stating that Gaza represents a great shame for the Western world and Europe. He noted that the Left had stood courageously by the Palestinian people from the very beginning, denouncing the genocide in Gaza and boldly pointing out Netanyahu’s accomplices.
During the discussion, a message was broadcast from a representative of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), stating that although the guns may have fallen silent, the impoverishment of the Palestinians continues. He referred to the need for states to support UNRWA’s humanitarian work for the Palestinians, as it currently provides education to tens of thousands of children, while millions depend on UNRWA’s health services.
The discussion was followed by a statement from Palestinian Dr. Sabri Saidam, member of the Central Council of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Deputy Secretary-General of Fatah. Dr. Saidam said that what is happening today in Palestine is part of a long-term strategic plan to exterminate the Palestinian people. At this moment, there is no ceasefire. In the last few days alone, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military attacks, entire villages are burning, settler violence against Palestinians is rampant with the support of their government, and thousands are being held in Israeli prisons without any charge. Dr. Saidam called for continued international support for Palestine, as the Palestinian issue is one that concerns all of humanity as an example of defending the principles of International Law.
In her statement, Dr. Sahar Francis, lawyer and former Director of ADDAMEER (Association for the Support of Palestinian Prisoners and Human Rights), referred to the thousands of illegal arrests of Palestinians, including hundreds of children and women, who are being held without trial on the pretext that they represent a threat to Israel’s national security. Especially after October 7, 2023, the conditions of detention have deteriorated and the mistreatment of prisoners has intensified. Dr. Francis demanded the release of all prisoners, as the Israeli side is using them as leverage in the pursuit of its political goals.
MEP Danilo Della Valle from Italy subsequently criticized the EU, which presents itself as a regulatory force promoting human rights, but in the case of Palestine turns a blind eye. The EU impliments a policy of double standards, as the crime of genocide in Gaza unfolded with the tacit complicity of the EU leadership.
Finally, French MEP Rima Hassan, who took part in the flotilla of ships to break the blockade on Gaza and was arrested by the Israeli authorities, focused on the solidarity movement with the Palestinian people and the importance of supporting it.
05.02.2026
