Ireland Urges EU to Review Israel Trade Relations

Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris has called on the European Union to reconsider its trade relations with Israel after the Israeli Knesset passed a law banning the UN's Palestinian aid agency, UNRWA. Harris condemned the ban as 'despicable' and 'shameful', stating that it would exacerbate humanitarian crises in Gaza, leading to more deaths and starvation. The legislation, which prohibits UNRWA's operations in Israel, has drawn international backlash, including criticism from the United States and European countries. Harris emphasized the urgency of reviewing trade ties during a meeting with incoming EU Council president Antonio Costa, advocating for collective European action on human rights issues concerning Israel and Gaza. He noted that Ireland, along with Spain, Belgium, and Slovenia, has been advocating for a stronger EU stance on this matter. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also highlighted the critical role of UNRWA in providing aid to Palestinian refugees and urged Israel to comply with its international obligations.