Taoiseach welcomes review of EU co-operation deal with Israel

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has welcomed a review of the EU’s association agreement with Israel.

Mr Martin said Israel “cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms”.

The EU says it is reviewing its association agreement with Israel, which governs its political and economic relationship.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said a majority of members favoured looking again at the 25-year-old agreement.

The agreement forms the basis of trade ties between the EU and Israel.

Mr Martin said: “The decision to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement to examine compliance with human rights announced today by High Representative Kaja Kallas is one I strongly welcome.

“Together with Spain, Ireland first called for this step to be taken in February 2024.”

The Irish premier said since then thousands of Palestinians “have been killed and maimed in a brutal military operation”.

He added: “The brunt of which has been borne by an innocent civilian population.

“Thousands more are at the brink of starvation, with the UN warning that 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours if aid doesn’t reach them.

“Israel must know that the world is watching and that we will not stand by.

“It cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms.

“Ireland will work to ensure that the review is taken forward as quickly as possible, and that its conclusions are acted upon.

“We must stop this war. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.”