In a significant diplomatic move, the newly appointed Irish Taoiseach is set to hold discussions with the Spanish Prime Minister regarding their collaborative effort to recognize Palestine as a nation state. The meeting aims to strategize on compelling the European Union (EU) to evaluate Israel’s human rights responsibilities as a precondition for their trade agreement with the bloc.
Pedro Sánchez, scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Friday, will engage in talks with Simon Harris, the newly appointed Taoiseach, marking the latter’s first encounter with a foreign premier since assuming office this week.
Following the series of events triggered by the Hamas attacks on October 7th and Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza, Spain and Ireland have emerged as the EU’s foremost advocates for Palestine.
In Brussels on Thursday, Harris reiterated Ireland’s stance on the urgent necessity for a ceasefire during discussions with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. He also reaffirmed the formal request made two months prior, jointly with Spain, to reassess the Israel-EU association agreement.
Harris emphasized, “I believe the European Union must use all of the levers at its disposal [to protect the Palestinian people].”
However, his inaugural speech in the Irish parliament as Taoiseach faced criticism from Israel for not addressing the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Although Harris denounced the “unforgivable terrorist actions of Hamas on October 7th” and criticized the Israeli government’s response, Israel’s foreign ministry censured him for the omission.
The statement from Israel’s foreign ministry accused Ireland of potentially endorsing terrorism by intervening in the case brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, and by considering the recognition of a Palestinian state in the future.
Amid escalating tensions, Ireland and Spain jointly penned a letter to the Chief of the European Commission, urgently requesting a review to determine if Israel is upholding its human rights obligations. The absence of a response from the Commission underscores the sensitivity of the matter.
Harris welcomed Sánchez’s visit to Dublin, expressing eagerness to discuss the recognition of Palestine and broader issues, including the aforementioned letter. Von der Leyen indicated during discussions that there would be an opportunity to address these concerns at the next summit of EU foreign ministers, hinting at an impending review.
“This is not about anything other than ensuring that international human rights law is respected. And that it is followed,” Harris reiterated.
The impending meeting between the Irish Taoiseach and the Spanish Prime Minister underscores the growing solidarity within the EU in advocating for Palestinian rights and scrutinizing Israel’s compliance with human rights standards.
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