Statement from Tánaiste Simon Harris on European Commission proposals

"Today's publication by the European Commission of a proposal to suspend the core trade-related parts of the EU's Association Agreement with Israel is hugely significant.

"There is a genocide taking place in Gaza and the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry earlier this week make clear that this is the case.

"The need for action has never been more urgent. In fact, it is long past due.

"The Commission has finally tabled concrete proposals for trade measures against Israel. Today marks a critical turning point. What we now need to see is the Council convened as a matter of urgency to consider these proposals, which Ireland will fully support.

"The package also proposes sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, as well as on Hamas. Ireland supports these proposals.

"Ireland has long called for concrete measures. A qualified majority will be required for the trade measures while the sanctions will require unanimity. I will be urging our fellow Member States to support both sets of proposals.

"In addition to the implementation of these measures, we need an urgent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, for humanitarian aid to flow and for a concerted effort to bring about a two-state solution."