Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
6. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the joint Irish-Spanish diplomatic initiative demanding a review of how Israel is fulfilling its human-rights obligations in its conduct in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10920/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra7. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he and his Government are satisfied that Israel is fulfilling its obligations in the matter of respect for human rights and democratic principles enshrined in Article Two of the EU-Israel Trade agreement; if it is not, what actions it is taking and demanding at the highest executive level of the EU in such regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10921/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission on 15 February calling for an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
As set out in the letter, the Government is deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Gaza. We expect the review to be carried out in an expedited manner and proposals to be presented to the Council rapidly. I raised the matter at the February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, and asked that this review be carried out as a matter of urgency. It should result in a credible and robust assessment of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations.
Without prejudging the outcome, if Israel is not in compliance, concrete measures should be proposed by the EU institutions to Council, for consideration and decision.
