Taoiseach says he will ‘personally intervene' to reverse ongoing environmental disaster at ‘toxic goo lagoon' in Wexford

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has vowed to 'personally intervene' to reverse an 'ecological disaster' unfolding at Lady's Island Lake in Wexford.

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The Journal

5 hours ago

• The Journal

Taoiseach calls for 'concrete action' after human rights obligations in EU-Israel deal breached

ISRAEL BREACHED ITS association agreement with the EU by not fulfilling human rights obligations, in its military actions in Gaza, under a cooperation deal with member states, a much-anticipated review has found. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza – which has resulted in the deaths of 55,637 people, including women and children, since 7 October 2023 according to the health ministry there – is likely not in line with the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the review said. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was among the 17 European leaders who called on the EU to conduct the review last month in the aftermath of Israel's near-three month siege on Gaza, has welcomed the conclusions. He said today that 'concrete steps' must be taken in respect of the review, which he intends to discuss at a leaders' summit in Brussels next week. Martin said the review paints a 'grim picture of a sustained and deliberate failure by Israel to adhere to its international obligations, especially in Gaza but also in the West Bank'. According to the Taoiseach, the review – which will be formally presented by the EU's foreign affairs commissioner to European ministers on Monday – highlights a continued restriction of basic aid, such as food, medicine and other vital supplies, in Gaza. The review says that it amounts to 'collective punishment of the civilian population' – which is illegal under international law – and that it also amounts to the use of 'starvation as a method of war'. It also references the 'unprecedented level of killing and injury of civilians in Gaza' resulting from 'indiscriminate attacks without proportion or precaution'. Advertisement Many of these incidents in recent weeks have taken place at and near aid stations in the region . Israel has also been criticised in the review for its attacks on hospitals, the forced displacement of the civilian population and the murder of journalists in Gaza. Martin said that these events have taken place 'with a persistent lack of accountability'. In the West Bank, the review reports a 'sustained oppression' of the Palestinian population, including through 'state and settler violence, the appropriation of land, and the use of detention as a form of collective punishment'. Martin said there must be 'serious consequences' for when human rights obligations and international law requirements are not observed in European association agreements. While the review was a major step by European leaders, who have been criticised for their siding with Israel and lag in condemnation in the past, it is unlikely that immediate action will be taken in respect of the review. European ministers and leaders, including the EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Kaja Kallas and President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen, have recently voiced support for Israel in its war against Iran. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz this week said Israel was doing 'the dirty work… for all of us' with its campaign targeting Iran's nuclear programme. Halting diplomatic dialogue with Israel – a measure that was already rejected last year – also requires backing from all EU member states. With reporting by AFP Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

Irish Examiner

5 hours ago

• Irish Examiner

EU review shows Israel using starvation as a weapon of war, says Taoiseach

An EU review 'paints a grim picture' of Israel's failure to adhere to international obligations, Micheál Martin has said. The Taoiseach said the report highlights the restriction of food and medicines into Gaza, which he said 'amounts to the use of starvation as a method of war'. The EU-Israel Association Agreement is being reviewed after a dozen EU member states backed it last month. The unpublished report has found that there are 'indications' Israel could be in breach of its human rights obligations under the agreement, according to several media outlets. Reacting on Saturday, Mr Martin welcomed the 'substantive and important' report on Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel deal. He said Ireland had 'long argued' that clauses on human rights in the EU's international agreement 'have to be respected' and should prompt 'serious consequences' when they are not. Back in February 2024, Ireland and Spain jointly called for an urgent review of whether Israel had breached its human rights obligations in the trade agreement. A majority of EU countries did not back the review until last month, prompted by a proposal from The Netherlands. The shift came amid Israel's months-long blockade of Gaza, which has accelerated fears of a famine. A new Israeli and US-backed aid system has been marred by violence. Israel's 20-month military campaign in the the Palestinian enclave has killed an estimated 55,000 people and injured thousands more, according to Gaza's health ministry. Taoiseach Micheal Martin (PA) Mr Martin said: 'I very much welcome the substantive and important report of the EU's High Representative for Human Rights on Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. 'Bringing together the reports and analysis of serious, credible and reliable sources – including the International Court of Justice, the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict and others – it paints a clear and grim picture of a sustained and deliberate failure by Israel to adhere to its international obligations, especially in Gaza but also in the West Bank. 'It highlights a continued restriction of food, medicines, medical equipment, and other vital supplies into Gaza that amount to collective punishment of the civilian population, that amounts to the use of starvation as a method of war. 'It describes an unprecedented level of killing and injury of civilians in Gaza resulting from indiscriminate attacks without proportion or precaution, as well as attacks on hospitals, forced mass displacements and the killing of journalists. All of this with a persistent lack of accountability. 'In the West Bank, it reports sustained oppression of the Palestinian population, including through state and settler violence, the appropriation of land, and the use of detention as a form of collective punishment.' He added: 'We will now work with partners to follow up on this important report with concrete steps, and I will be discussing it with my colleagues in the European Council when we meet next week.' Read More Israel-Iran war stretches into a second week without diplomatic breakthrough

Irish Independent

7 hours ago

• Irish Independent

Taoiseach says he will ‘personally intervene' to reverse ongoing environmental disaster at ‘toxic goo lagoon' in Wexford

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has vowed to 'personally intervene' to reverse an 'ecological disaster' unfolding at Lady's Island Lake in Wexford.