Minister of Youth and Children Sira Regothis condemned on Thursday what he called a troubling deficit of empathy and involvement from the international community. He described the situation in stark terms, characterizing it as a living tragedy for Palestinians that demands sustained attention and action from global partners. The minister’s remarks framed the current reality as a humanitarian crisis that warrants concrete, principled responses rather than rhetoric alone.
During the event at the European Parliament in Madrid, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Palestine Francesca Albanese and European Parliament member Manu Pineda, affiliated with the United Left, joined Regothis. He noted that part of his father’s family once lived in the West Bank and spoke of a long, intimate familiarity with the region’s history and its people. The conversation underscored the deeply personal dimensions of the conflict for many families across generations and borders, reminding attendees that the pain and disruption experienced on the ground reverberate through communities far beyond the immediate geography.
The minister recalled his first visit to Palestine as a child, when he traveled to Turkey for the purpose of seeing the situation firsthand. He recounted the border experience in vivid terms, sharing that he had been searched and subjected to a body search. He added that the humiliation endured at that moment remained with him for years, shaping a lifelong resolve to advocate for dignity and humane treatment of all people affected by ongoing restrictions and tensions. The memory served, for Regothis, as a personal reminder of the human side of political decisions and their far-reaching consequences.
Regothis described a recent trajectory of hardship faced by families in the West Bank, noting ongoing tensions and the toll they have taken on both physical and emotional well-being. He emphasized that daily life has become increasingly challenging for ordinary residents who seek to pursue education, work, and community life under difficult conditions. He pointed to examples such as local students and workers who face barriers that restrict their movement and opportunities, stressing that the burdens borne by calm, law-abiding citizens should not be ignored or trivialized by policymakers or international observers. The minister urged a recommitment to humanitarian principles that protect civilians and preserve the dignity of all who live in the region.
The minister also expressed concern about the limited international participation in mediation efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire. He argued that a robust, multilateral approach is essential to reduce violence and safeguard civilian lives. In assessing the situation, Francesca Albanese highlighted urgent considerations about proportionality and civilian protection, noting that assurances of civilian safety must guide any military actions and that observers should monitor compliance with international law. The dialogue reflected a shared understanding that durable peace requires accountability, transparency, and continuous international engagement. It remains an ongoing challenge to balance security concerns with the rights and well-being of people who have lived under occupation and disruption for years. The discussion did not shy away from the hard questions around accountability and the responsibilities of all parties to uphold humanitarian norms, including proportionality, distinction, and the protection of noncombatants.