LAST UPDATE | 7 Jul

TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has used his address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg today to call on the EU to do more to support peace in the Middle East and a two-State solution in Palestine.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The situation in the West Bank is deteriorating. The behaviour of the Netanyahu government is increasingly extreme,” Martin said.

“There are no democratic or humanitarian values which are flexible enough to justify the scale of death, destruction and displacement we have seen.

“It is a cause of deep and justified sadness and anger to many that Europe has not done enough to put pressure on Israel in the light of its egregious actions.

“I fully respect and understand that this is a difficult topic for many countries and is challenging many long-established connections and policies. But we simply must do more,” the Taoiseach said.

His remarks were met with a round of applause from the chamber.

While in Strasbourg, the Taoiseach has met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola and Irish MEPs.

Speaking during a press conference later in the day alongside Metsola, the Taoiseach also urged the EU to move against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, given that they undermine efforts for a two-State solution. 

He also appealed for EU politicians and international journalists to be given access into Gaza. 

Metsola said the EU Parliament will continue its work to “ensure there is peace” in Gaza and welcomed the announcement by Hamas that it was dissolving its emergency government in Gaza. 

“This is a step in the right direction, but now actions must follow with they must follow words. There must be a disarmament and disbanding of Hamas, it cannot play any role in the future of Gaza,” she said.

He also used his speech to set out Ireland’s priorities for the EU presidency, which began last week, and to speak to the benefits membership has imposed on Irish people.  

Ireland has chosen competitiveness, values and security as the three defining themes for its presidency.  

Taoiseach Micheál Martin meeting with President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola today. European Parliament European Parliament

His visit comes following a visit to Ireland by the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and her college of commissioners last week to mark the beginning of Ireland’s six-month presidency.

Russian sanctions

The Taoiseach’s speech today comes ahead of a European Parliament debate this afternoon on a resolution to adopt the 2025 European Commission Report on Ukraine.

Speaking during this afternoon’s press conference, Martin said that during the Irish EU presidency, Ireland will “continue to stand steadfastly” with the people of Ukraine.

MEPs will vote tomorrow on whether to include an amendment to the resolution which would place sanctions on Limerick’s Aughinish Alumina as part of wider sanctions against Russia.

Fianna Fáil’s four MEPs will be abstaining from the vote.