Statement by the Tánaiste on Gaza ahead of FAC in Copenhagen

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris has warned that the European Union’s credibility is on the line unless it takes concrete action against Israel over the “horrific genocide” in Gaza. The Tánaiste was speaking in advance of an informal Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Copenhagen.

The Tánaiste said: “Let me be very clear: words of condemnation are not enough when it comes to the horrific genocide that is underway in Gaza.

“The scenes that we are seeing, of people desperately seeking food, of famine conditions, and of further military operations are appalling.

“We urgently need to see an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, including the remains, and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale.

“It is crucially important that the European Union acts now and takes immediate and concrete measures in response to Israel’s actions which are in breach of its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We need to maximise the pressure, to bring about a ceasefire, and to end the famine.

“A lot of work has been done at a European level and ten potential measures have been identified.

“It is now time for Europe to act. That is the message that I am taking to today’s meeting in Copenhagen on behalf of the people of Ireland.”

Mr Harris, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, added: “If Europe refuses to act as a collective, I think there will then be a requirement on like-minded Member States to come together and consider what actions they can take.

“The most impactful way for Europe to act and indeed to protect its own credibility is to now move forward, together, with concrete measures to press Israel to change course.”

ENDS

Press Office

30 August 2025