Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD has said that the outcome of this week’s European Council meeting on the conflict in the Middle East represents a failure of EU leadership.

He has called on the Irish government to articulate the urgent demand for full and immediate ceasefire at every opportunity.

Teachta Carthy:

“Enduring Israeli bombardment and the total siege of Gaza continues by the hour.

“European leaders have failed to even acknowledge that Israel is breaching international law and some have effectively given their imprimatur to those breaches.

“The call of the international community must be for an immediate and full ceasefire, and the universal application of and adherence to international law, with the explicit condemnation of those who breach it, regardless of who they are; including Israel.

“European leaders failed that test of leadership this week.

“The Irish government must now work with those global partners, including EU states, who are rightly seeking a comprehensive, informed international process that delivers an immediate ceasefire and a full humanitarian response.

“The bombardment must end. The siege of Gaza must end. Nothing less will do.”