'Layer upon layer of war crimes' in Gaza daily
Minister of State Niall Collins has said that the EU-Israel trade agreement has to be reviewed as "layer upon layer of war crimes" are being witnessed in Gaza every day.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Colm Ó Mongáin, he said that what is happening in Gaza "offers no future, solution or hope" to anyone affected.
Last Monday, Israel's military said that expanded operations in Gaza approved by the Israeli government would include displacing "most" residents of the Palestinian territory.
The plan was approved by the Israeli security cabinet, which an Israeli official said will entail "the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories".
Mr Collins said the weaponising of innocent people for Israel's own narrow end has to be called out and that he did not think Ireland has been found wanting and would not be found wanting on the issue.
He said that the Irish Government have been strong and vocal on advocating for a ceasefire, the increase of humanitarian aid and the unconditional release of all hostages as well as finding a long term solution to the whole issue.
However he said that not everybody across the EU is on the same page.
Mr Collins said that the Government has been involved through various partnerships in assisting Irish citizens to exit Gaza and that is managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
However he said that it is detailed, complex and delicate but the Government does have a policy to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens and their families.
"I think every avenue has to be pursued," he said.
In relation to the Occupied Territories Bill, he said that it will be passed as soon as possible and that the issue around it has been the fact that trade is an EU competence.
The bill aims to ban trade between Ireland and Israel's illegal settlements on Palestinian land.
Mr Collins said that the law has to be sufficiently robust to withstand legal challenge and European infringement adding that it will be legally challenged in every available forum and court when it does get across the line.
Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Lynn Boylan said that she hoped the Government were genuine about passing it, but she felt they are trying to buy time as the pressure has ramped up again.
She added that her party was willing to work with the Government on this issue.
Ms Boylan also said there are lots of steps which the Government can take with regard to the conflict in Gaza, and that the time for action is now.
Speaking on the same programme, Labour TD Duncan Smith said his party felt Ireland was going to get a diluted version of the bill, which will be massively disappointing.
He added that Ireland should be fining or banning airlines if they are carrying ammunition as this is breaching Ireland's neutrality and there was a need to improve legislation in this space.
"We need to be imposing sanctions and fines... showing rogue states that this will not stand in Irish airspace," he said, adding that this has been happening for a long time, not just since the conflict in Gaza escalated.
He said there was an onus on the Government to do this or else Ireland will be seen as a light touch.
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