The new Irish Taoiseach is scheduled to meet with the Spanish Prime Minister to discuss their joint initiative to recognize Palestine as a nation-state.
Additionally, they plan to push the EU to assess Israel’s human rights obligations as part of their trade deal with the bloc.
Pedro Sánchez is set to arrive in Dublin on Friday for this crucial meeting, marking the first foreign premier Simon Harris will engage with since assuming the role of Taoiseach this week.
In recent months, following the Hamas attacks of October 7th and Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza, Spain and Ireland have emerged as the EU’s most vocal pro-Palestinian member states.
During a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursday, Harris reiterated Ireland’s stance on the urgent need for a ceasefire.
He also restated the formal request, jointly made with Spain two months prior, to review the Israel-EU association agreement.
Harris emphasized, “I believe the European Union must leverage all available tools to protect the Palestinian people.”
Criticism from Israel arose when Harris did not mention the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza during his inaugural speech to the Irish parliament as Taoiseach.
While speaking on Tuesday, Harris condemned “the unforgivable terrorist actions of Hamas on October 7th” and also highlighted “the disproportionate reaction of the Israeli government.”
However, Israel’s foreign ministry released a statement on Thursday, rebuking Harris for not addressing the ongoing issue of hostages held by Hamas.
The statement also accused Ireland of potentially rewarding terrorism by supporting South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide in Gaza, and by considering the future recognition of a Palestinian state.
Referring to the Hamas attacks on southern Israel, which claimed 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, the statement added, “After the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust… there are those in Ireland who persist in being on the wrong side of history.”
The meeting between the Irish Taoiseach and the Spanish Prime Minister underscores growing diplomatic efforts within the EU regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
These discussions also reflect the nuanced positions and challenges EU member states face in navigating human rights concerns, trade agreements, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Harris’s recent engagements highlight Ireland’s and Spain’s proactive roles in advocating Palestinian rights within EU policy frameworks.
The ongoing dialogue between EU member states and Israel regarding human rights standards and trade conditions is likely to continue shaping regional diplomacy and global perceptions of the conflict.
In summary, the meeting aims to further collaborative efforts toward recognizing Palestinian statehood while addressing broader concerns about human rights and trade relations between the EU and Israel.
