Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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6. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 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]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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7. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 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]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I 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.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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8. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what actions he intends to take at the EU and other relevant international fora, on the so-called Flour Massacre where the IDF fired on starving Palestinians, killing 104 and wounding 760 (at time of questioning) such actions in clear breach of the ICJ directive to ‘not kill members of the group’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am appalled by the horrible deaths of Palestinians queueing for aid in Gaza city last week.

I join the calls by High Representative Borrell and Secretary General Antonio Guterres, among others, for a credible and impartial investigation to establish the facts. Those responsible must to be held to account.

International humanitarian law is unambiguous on this point; Israel must protect civilians and ensure basic services.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made and is completely unacceptable. Civilians in Gaza urgently need the fighting to stop and a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian aid. There is a high risk of imminent conflict-induced famine.

The International Criminal Court is actively investigating the situation in Palestine, including possible war crimes or crimes against humanity carried out by any of the parties to the conflict on the territory of Palestine. Ireland fully supports this investigation and has committed additional voluntary funding to the ICC of €3 million to assist its work across all situations, including in relation to Palestine.

We continue to focus diplomatic engagement on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and a sustained scale up in humanitarian assistance.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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9. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether he and his Department are satisfied that Israel qualifies as suitable and appropriate as a trading partner for Ireland and the EU given its actions in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank; if he does not, what actions he is currently taking and/or intends to take to address that situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10923/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Israel’s action in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are of serious concern for Ireland. Ireland has repeatedly called for an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and respect for international law, including international humanitarian law.

The Taoiseach and Spanish Prime Minister have written to Commission President von der Leyen expressing deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Gaza, and calling for an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

If it believes Israel is in breach, we have requested that the Commission propose measures that the Council might adopt. Human rights obligations are essential elements of agreements such as the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We are looking forward to the Commission’s response, and my officials are actively pursuing the matter in Brussels. We expect an update on progress by, or before, the European Council in March.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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10. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland will impose economic sanctions on Israel; if it will not, to outline why not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland had advocated strongly at EU level agreement at EU level on sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank who are attacking and displacing Palestinian communities. This is a matter that I have raised with my European counterparts at successive meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.

During the Council’s meeting in February, 26 Member States indicated that they are ready to move ahead with sanctions on this issue. The United States has adopted sanctions, as have the United Kingdom and France. Ireland's view is that the European Union must also act against those who attack and displace Palestinian communities.

While Ireland continues to press to agree sanctions at EU level, officials are also examining options to work in concert with a group of EU Member States to implement certain measures at a national level, specifically travel bans. However, comprehensive sanctions, including for instance freezing the assets of individuals and entities, requires a unanimous decision by all 27 Member States and Ireland will continue to advocate for unanimity in moving forward on this.