The European Parliament implements the Goldstone recommendations

The Goldstone recommendations on Israel/Palestine have been adopted by the European Parliament today on March 10 2009. The resolution was adopted with 335 votes in favour, 287 against and 43 abstentions and the following recommendations were agreed on:

1. All parties should respect human rights
2. Independent and impartial investigations within the next five months should take place within the next five months
3. The Goldstone recommendations should be implemented and monitored
4. There should be no restriction of NGO activities and the authorities should stop refraining their activities

The approval of the joint resolution on the implementation of the Goldstone report is of significant importance. For the first time, a resolution voted in the European Parliament acknowledges Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian territories.

The Middle East Monitor hopes that the adoption of this resolution will not only have consequences on the accountability of Israeli war crimes committed during Operation Cast Lead, but will also result on a change in Member State foreign policies with Israel, including ensuring that there is no upgrading of the EU-Israel Agreement. It is now up to the Member states to “implement and monitor” the findings of the Goldstone report.