Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed his intent to press the European Union to impose sanctions on what he labels as “terrorist” settlers in the West Bank, citing the increasing violence in the region. Martin indicated that if EU states fail to reach a consensus, Ireland is open to considering national-level sanctions. The proposed measures would target the Hamas leadership and operatives, as well as extremist West Bank settlers.
Martin emphasised the destruction of a school in the West Bank as a disturbing manifestation of the recent wave of terror against Palestinians. Describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “absolutely dire,” he criticised Israel’s bombardment for causing death and suffering on an unacceptable scale, particularly impacting children.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar asserted Ireland’s strong belief that a military solution is not viable for the Israel-Palestine conflict. Concerned about the loss of life in Gaza and the potential for starvation and disease, Varadkar emphasised the need for a humanitarian ceasefire. Ireland, along with Spain, Belgium, and Malta, is set to advocate for such a ceasefire in Gaza.
Martin, speaking at a foreign affairs ministers meeting in Brussels, expressed deep concern about the extreme violence of settlers in the West Bank, calling for specific sanctions against them. He underlined that the settlers’ actions undermine the possibility of a two-state solution and risk further destabilising the West Bank.
When asked about the possibility of Ireland imposing unilateral sanctions if the EU doesn’t, Martin affirmed Ireland’s openness to such measures. He also called for the unhindered and unconditional resumption of EU aid to the Palestinian Authority, expressing worries about aid delays and additional conditionality.
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