Ireland urges EU to review Israel deal over human rights violations

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Simon Harris, has called for a formal review of the European Union’s partnership agreement with Israel, citing serious concerns over human rights violations in Gaza.

Posting on X, Harris pointed to the agreement’s human rights clause, which requires EU-Israel relations to be grounded in respect for international law.

"The EU-Israel Association Agreement has clauses on human rights. It says relations shall be based on respect for human rights. These words must have meaning. There must be a review of the agreement. The world is not doing nearly enough" he wrote. 

He added that he intends to raise the matter with fellow EU foreign ministers, stressing the need for collective action.

Harris emphasised the bloc's responsibility to do all it can to stop the violence, boost humanitarian assistance, and push for the immediate release of all prisoners.

His remarks come as Israel’s assault on Gaza continues unabated, with accusations of mass killings, destruction, starvation, and forced displacement mounting since the war began on 7 October 2023.