Tánaiste wants ‘real sanction’ moves against Israel over breach of EU agreement

By Cate McCurry, PA

The Tánaiste is to “seek real sanction” measures against Israel after a review found it violated the terms of the country’s agreement with the EU.

Simon Harris will meet fellow foreign ministers in Copenhagen this week, where he said he will seek “concrete actions” from the bloc in response to the catastrophic situation in Gaza.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Harris said that “famine is a spectre no Irish person can endure”.

His comments come after the United Nations officially declared famine in Gaza City.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said it is a “man-made disaster” and a “failure of humanity”.

President Michael D Higgins echoed similar comments this weekend, saying it is a “tragic period” in the world’s history.

Mr Harris said that Israel is in clear breach of its human rights obligations under the Association Agreement.

The Tánaiste said: “The scenes that we are witnessing in Gaza and the now famine conditions that families are facing is nothing short of catastrophic.

“Famine is a spectre no Irish person can endure.

“People in Ireland, and across the world, will not turn a blind eye.

“I along with my EU counterparts, are calling once again on Israel to completely and immediately lift its blockade and allow the full resumption of humanitarian aid, in line with humanitarian principles, into Gaza.

“All hostages must be released.

“There needs to be an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

“This week I will travel to Copenhagen where I will meet fellow EU foreign ministers and call for concrete action against Israel for the genocide being committed against the people of Gaza.”

Mr Harris has pledged to pass the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Bill.

The Fine Gael leader said he “can move forward” after receiving the Oireachtas Committee Report.

He called for other EU foreign minister to work at an EU and UN level and with like-minded Arab countries to “seek a ceasefire, hostages released and a surge in humanitarian aid”.

Mr Harris said he wants to increase its funding to programmes like the World Food Programme and will advance a National Day of Solidarity for Gaza and intends to encourage other countries to do likewise.