Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 19 February, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where the Council’s discussion focused on the EU’s approach to Ukraine, the Middle East and the Sahel. The Council met with the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi and Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny.

During the discussion on Gaza, I reaffirmed that the EU must call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, urgent and effective humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. I called on Member States who have suspended funding to UNRWA to rescind this decision as a matter of urgency. I also asked the Commission to carry out the review of Israel’s human rights obligations requested by Ireland and Spain, as soon as possible.

After one Member State said that it would not participate in collective decisions around EU messaging and sanctions, the other 26 Ministers agreed a statement urging Israel not to proceed with an offensive in Rafah and to abide by the ICJ provisional measures, and calling for an immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a sustainable ceasefire. This was an important step. They also agreed to move forward with coordinating the implementation of national measures in respect of violent settlers in the West Bank.

The discussion on Ukraine occurred on the week of the second anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, and shortly after the announcement of the death of Alexei Nalvany. It was extremely powerful to hear from his widow, Yulia. This was a stark reminder of the character of the Russian government which is seeking to impose its rule over Ukraine. During the discussion, I underlined that it is essential to maintain EU support to Ukraine. I called for the Ukraine Assistance Fund to be agreed without delay, and am pleased that the EU has agreed a thirteenth package of sanctions against Russia.