I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
Given our own history of conflict and peacebuilding at home, Ireland has a longstanding commitment to a just, sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East. This will frame our response to crises the Middle East, as in other regions, throughout the tenure of our Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Throughout the Presidency, Ireland will continue to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to international law and to achieving a just and lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in two states, Israel and Palestine, in peace, security and dignity within agreed borders based on the 1967 borders.
Ireland, together with EU partners, will continue to work towards the rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza, in accordance with international law. We will continue to stress the need for the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations, to be able to work independently and impartially. Ireland, together with EU counterparts, will work with international and regional stakeholders to provide support for the reconstruction and development of Gaza, in line with international law.
Ireland will continue to urge the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and protect the Palestinian population of the occupied Palestinian territory, including in the West Bank. We will continue our calls on the Government of Israel to reverse the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law.
Ireland has made clear our view that the EU must act in response to persistent Israeli breaches of human rights and international law. Ireland welcomed political agreement at the May Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on sanctions against three violent Israeli settlers and four entities, as well as leading Hamas figures, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
Ireland has consistently supported consideration of additional sanctions, including proposals brought forward by the Commission President in September 2025 concerning extremist Israeli ministers, and believes that further measures are required.
