Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said that the European Parliament’s passing of a resolution on Gaza is a sign of progress, but more needs to be done.
This week, the European Parliament passed a resolution which calls for the recognition of the State of Palestine.
The resolution pointedly did not use the term “genocide” in the wording, which has been a point of contention among other MEPs, including those from the European People’s Party, Fine Gael’s European grouping.
Ó Ríordáin said the resolution “wasn’t perfect” but it was a “first step.”
“It is progress, and that is why I voted in favour,” he explained.
The report calls for sanctions against Israeli ministers, backs a ban on trade, supports recognition of the Palestinian state, and acknowledges that Israel is causing a man-made famine in Gaza.
“The reality is, a much stronger wording was needed. Most glaringly, the Parliament once again failed to call this assault what it truly is: genocide. That language was blocked by right-wing forces in the Parliament – including Fine Gael’s group, the EPP – who have consistently worked to weaken EU action on this issue. Fine Gael must ask themselves how they can continue to stand alongside a political family that refuses to confront Israel’s crimes,” he said.
“The truth is, the only reason this Parliament has taken even this small step is because of public pressure. Citizens across Europe have forced their representatives to act. It is shamefully late, but perhaps this marks the beginning of real EU action to hold Israel to account.”
Ó Ríordáin said, “now is the moment to push harder – for tougher sanctions against the Israeli government, for a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in full, and for a total arms embargo. Nothing less is credible.”