Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomes proposal by European Commission on suspension of trade concessions with Israel

“I strongly welcome the Commission’s decision today to propose suspension of parts of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel.

“Ireland has long called for this action and the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza makes action even more urgent.

“There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a massive surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“The slaughter of children must stop. The slaughter of innocent civilians queuing for food must stop. What is going on is beyond any moral compass.

“I will be calling on all Member States to support these measures when they are voted on in the Council.

“Israel is clearly in breach of its obligations under the Association Agreement with the EU and under international law and there can be no business as usual.

“The proposal to sanction certain ministers of the Israeli government as well as violent settlers is also an action that Ireland will support.

“The statements by certain members of Israeli government are an incitement to genocidal actions against the Palestinian people and are completely unacceptable.

“Equally, the actions of the Israeli government in the West Bank and the violent actions of settlers against Palestinians must be responded to. Israeli settlements are illegal and only serve to undermine the prospect of a two-state solution.

“I will use my visit to the UN next week to engage with international partners so that we can intensify our efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and put a process in place that can lead to lasting peace in Israel and Palestine.”