I welcome the initiative by the United States to introduce a travel restrictions targeting those involved in extreme settler violence. My immediate priority is to push for a similar initiative at EU level. I raised this with my counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council in December. I look forward to this being progressed rapidly, in line with the commitment given by the High Representative following that meeting.
This is consistent with Ireland’s wider policy, whereby we do not impose any unilateral sanctions regimes, but implement UN and EU sanctions. EU sanctions seek to bring about a change in the policy and/or behaviour of the target of the restrictive measures. They are used as part of an integrated and comprehensive approach to the pursuit of EU foreign policy objectives, along with political dialogue and other complementary efforts and instruments.
As the Deputy is aware, calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire have been and will continue to be a central priority for the Government. Civilians in Gaza urgently need the fighting to stop, and a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian aid. It is clear that this is now the desire of the overwhelming majority of the international community, along with the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, urgent and effective humanitarian access, and for the protection of civilians.
