I reiterate the call for the European Union to review the EU-Israel Association agreement to ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, access to humanitarian aid and a just solution for the region.
EU member states should support Ireland’s stance on international law and trade with Israel and illegal settlement
Oxfam Ireland commends the Irish government for its leadership in pushing for today’s EU-Israel Association Council meeting and for the language around international law and bilateral technical arrangements applicable to settlement products.
Responding to today’s EU-Israel Association Council and the EU statement before the meeting, Oxfam Ireland’s CEO Jim Clarken said:
The Irish government’s continued pressing for a review of the EU-Israel association agreement and its efforts to enhance the joint EU statement beforehand are welcome for all of us concerned with human rights.
“All European member states should support the application of international law in the case of ongoing illegal Israeli settlements. This should not be a case of Ireland alone within a European Union designed to promote peace and human rights across the globe.
“The EU is Israel’s most important trading partner so it is clear that the EU, if it can act in unison, has considerable power in this case. A divided EU allows Israel to continue to act with impunity.
“I reiterate the call for the European Union to review the EU-Israel Association agreement to ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, access to humanitarian aid and a just solution for the region. The EU should also take meaningful action by banning the trade of both goods and services from illegal Israeli settlements. The Irish government should now press ahead with the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill. The inclusion of new language in the EU communique provides the Irish government with the legal space it needs to move forward with this crucial bill. It is now clearer than ever that Ireland's commitment to international law and justice must be reflected in its domestic legislation.
“The international community, including the EU, must support Ireland’s efforts to ensure that trade does not finance illegal settlements and occupation. It is time for Ireland to take bold action and stand firm in its commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”
The Irish government’s continued pressing for a review of the EU-Israel association agreement and its efforts to enhance the joint EU statement beforehand are welcome for all of us concerned with human rights.
