Irish MEP Barry Andrews and 70 colleagues are urging the European Commission to restrict trade with illegal Israeli settlements following an International Court of Justice advisory opinion.
Key facts
- •Barry Andrews is an Irish MEP representing the Renew party.
- •A letter signed by 71 MEPs was sent to Ursula von der Leyen on July 24.
- •The signatories cite an International Court of Justice advisory opinion as a mandate for EU action.
- •Andrews visited the West Bank in May to observe settlement activity.
- •The MEP expressed concern that the European Council is delaying decisions to avoid impacting Israeli elections.
Irish MEP Barry Andrews, a member of the Renew party, is advocating for the European Union to impose trade restrictions on illegal Israeli settlements. On July 24, Andrews and 70 other cross-party MEPs sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for action. The group argues that the recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice mandates that member states take concrete steps to address the situation.
Calls for Trade Action
Andrews stated that trade measures represent the only effective leverage the EU possesses regarding the conflict. He and the other signatories expressed concern that the European Council is intentionally delaying decisions on the matter, potentially to avoid interfering with upcoming Israeli elections scheduled for October 27.
Concerns Over Ongoing Conflict
The MEP warned that delaying action could lead to a year of continued violence in Gaza and further settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Following a visit to the West Bank in May, Andrews described the situation as meeting the criteria for apartheid under international law, citing systematic restrictions on Palestinian rights, housing, and commercial activity.
Timeline
- MayBarry Andrews visited the West Bank.
- July 24Andrews and 70 other MEPs sent a letter to the European Commission president.
- July 28Andrews spoke to EUobserver regarding his diplomatic approach.
- October 27Elections are scheduled to take place in Israel.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by EUobserver.
