Irish Fine Gael MEPs Urge EU to Suspend Trade Agreement with Israel

Irish Fine Gael Party’s four Members of the European Parliament have renewed calls for the European Union to suspend its trade and cooperation agreement with Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Seán Kelly, Regina Doherty, Maria Walsh, and Nina Carberry welcomed the EU’s decision this week to review the agreement but criticised the delay, calling for immediate and decisive diplomatic action, including a full suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement. “We, along with our Fine Gael party, have long called for a full review of the EU’s trade and cooperation with Isr

Irish Fine Gael Party’s four Members of the European Parliament have renewed calls for the European Union to suspend its trade and cooperation agreement with Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Seán Kelly, Regina Doherty, Maria Walsh, and Nina Carberry welcomed the EU’s decision this week to review the agreement but criticised the delay, calling for immediate and decisive diplomatic action, including a full suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement. “We, along with our Fine Gael party, have long called for a full review of the EU’s trade and cooperation with Israel due to the country’s disproportionate action in Palestine,” the MEPs said in a joint statement. “In view of war crimes such as the forced starvation of civilians in Gaza, we are calling for the suspension of the agreement immediately.” They condemned the use of food as a weapon of war, citing growing starvation, especially among children. “Gaza is now home to the largest number of child amputees in the world. Aid supplies must reach those in need without delay,” the statement added. While condemning the actions of Hamas and calling for the safe release of hostages, the MEPs emphasised that the Palestinian population must not be subjected to collective punishment. “This week again, we have seen protests by brave Palestinians calling for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza. For too long, innocent people have been caught in the crossfire and endured unbearable suffering. This cannot be allowed to continue.” The MEPs also noted that Ireland had been one of the few EU member states to initially push for stronger action on Gaza. “This review of the Israel association agreement didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we pushed, persisted, and led,” they said. Calling the EU’s review a “welcome step in the right direction,” the MEPs urged Brussels to leverage its full diplomatic influence to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and end the aid blockade. They concluded that lasting peace in the region depends on respect for human rights and adherence to international law.