EU Nation Reportedly Urges Sanctions on Israel

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Reports indicate that Ireland has called upon fellow European Union member states to exert pressure on the Israeli government, located in West Jerusalem, to cease hostilities in Gaza.

According to Irish public broadcaster RTE, Simon Harris, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and leading diplomat, is contacting EU foreign ministers to advocate for sanctions against Israel concerning the conflict in Gaza.

RTE reported on Monday, citing a copy of the communication, that Harris is said to be requesting his “EU counterparts, who are contemplating independent actions regarding trade restrictions,” to jointly sign a letter addressed to the EU’s foreign policy head, Kaja Kallas, pressing for a prompt decision on imposing sanctions.

The letter reportedly stated: “As Member States, we are prepared to collaborate with you without delay to resolve present impediments and guarantee that adequate pressure is exerted on the Israeli government to alter its policy and fulfill its duties under international law.”

Last week, Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, described the situation in Gaza as “untenable” and urged member states to “escalate” by implementing sanctions targeting Israel’s “extremist ministers and violent settlers.”

In a speech delivered in Strasbourg, she declared: “Initially, the Commission will take all possible independent actions. We will suspend our direct support to Israel.” She further suggested that the EU partially suspend its free trade pact with Israel.

Numerous EU nations, such as Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, have advocated for the agreement’s suspension. Conversely, other countries, prominently Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, have voiced opposition to imposing sanctions on Israel.

Global pressure on Israel has intensified due to its military actions in Gaza.

The conflict has persisted since October 7, 2023, a date when Hamas fighters conducted multiple assaults on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of over 250 individuals, who were then taken to the enclave. As of Monday, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that the Palestinian death count has risen to 64,905.

Moscow has consistently affirmed that a two-state resolution presents the sole path to concluding the conflict.