“Since the outset, the Council of Europe has unequivocally condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023 deliberately targeting civilians. The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages remains an imperative. However, while every state has the right to defend itself, such measures must strictly comply with international law, including the principle of proportionality. No act of terror, no matter how heinous, can justify a response that itself disregards fundamental principles of international law”. This is how the call of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, goes on. He insists, along with the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, on calling for “an immediate ceasefire, full and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, and the urgent resumption of a credible political process”. The implementation of “a two-state solution remains the only viable path toward a just and lasting peace”. Berset calls on the members states of the Council of Europe to “resolve, each according to their means, to protect civilian lives, uphold international law, and support multilateral diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. In particular, he urges those member states with influence in the region to use their voice and leverage to help uphold accountability and to restore the conditions for peace”. The Council of Europe reiterates “that the protection of human dignity and the strengthening of democratic security must be an integral part of any response to this crisis.”