European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has held meeting with families of people killed in Gaza and with families of hostages taken by Hamas.

In a post on Facebook, Metsola said that the human cost of what is happening in the Middle East “is incalculable. The devastation of families who have lost loved ones is heart-breaking.”

It is always the innocent who pay the ultimate price, she said.

“We will keep doing everything we can to get humanitarian aid in, to save lives, to bring hostages home, to end terror, to find justice and accountability and to ensure lasting peace and stability in Gaza and the West Bank, with a two-State solution that empowers legitimate Palestinian leadership,” she said.

In a separate statement, the Palestinian Embassy to Malta described Metsola’s meeting with representatives from families in Gaza who have tragically lost their loved ones in the ongoing and ever-escalating conflict in the war-torn territory as “significant”.

The meeting, hosted by President Metsola, aimed to address the pressing humanitarian concerns arising from the situation in Gaza.

President Metsola reaffirmed her unwavering stance on the matter, emphasizing the critical importance for Israel to uphold strict adherence to international law and humanitarian principles throughout military operations, the statement said. She further advocated for unrestrained access to humanitarian aid for the victims in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need to restore vital services such as food and electricity.

During the meeting, President Metsola revealed her intent to lead a political endeavour seeking to rally support for organizing an international peace conference dedicated to crafting a just and peaceful resolution for the Palestinian people. Her vision is to foster lasting peace and justice in the region.

“President Metsola believes that such an initiative is imperative to address the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for a sustainable and equitable solution,” the statement said.

Fadi Hanania, Palestinian Ambassador to Malta, commended Metsola for her commitment to promoting peace and justice in the region and appreciates her efforts to bring attention to the urgent humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza. The embassy expresses hope that international leaders will join forces to support initiatives that contribute to a comprehensive and lasting resolution for the Palestinian people.