Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris expressed "deep concern" over the humanitarian disaster and "genocidal acts" in the Gaza Strip, and reiterated Ireland's demand for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Harris demanded "urgent efforts" to secure a ceasefire, increase humanitarian aid, and release hostages in Gaza, but added that Israel was "moving in the opposite direction."
"If Israel continues with its occupation plans in Gaza City, it will mean more bloodshed, more casualties, more hunger, and further distance from any hope of peace. This latest plan must not go ahead," he stressed.
Earlier on Friday (8/8), Israel's security cabinet approved Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to occupy Gaza City, which sparked strong international reactions from governments and human rights bodies.
Harris's remarks followed an informal video conference of European Union foreign ministers discussing developments ahead of US President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska on Friday.
Israeli attacks and the crippling humanitarian situation in Gaza were on the agenda of foreign ministers at an informal meeting on Monday (11/8).
Harris said the European Commission needed to put forward concrete actions Europe could take to increase pressure on Israel to change course.
"It is very clear that Israel is violating Article 2 of the Association Agreement and it is crucial that, at our next Foreign Affairs meeting, concrete action is taken and a range of options put forward," he said.
"Ireland firmly believes that the Association Agreement should be suspended pending a cessation of all violence. We must take concrete action, not just issue statements of condemnation," he added.
Israel is facing growing criticism for its genocidal war in Gaza, where it has killed nearly 61,500 people since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which faces death by starvation.
