Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has said that criticisms of, and proposed sanctions on Israel from Ursula Von Der Leyen are far too long overdue, and do not go far enough.
Speaking after Ursula Von Der Leyen made her ‘State of the Union’ address in Strasbourg, the Dublin MEP said:
“Ursula Von Der Leyen has finally stood up to call out the heinous actions being taken by Israel in Gaza.
“She has called for Israel to stop weaponising famine, suggested partial suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement and possible sanctions on certain ministers, and violent settlers.
“While I welcome this new approach, it simply doesn’t go far enough, and we must wonder why it’s taken so long to reach this point?
“For over 22 months, we have had Israel’s genocide live-streamed to us, but the EU chose to sit on its hands until now.
“The EU had the opportunity to suspend the trade agreement with Israel before the summer recess, but they decided to postpone their decision until the parliament returned.
“What has changed since the summer?
“It’s clear that pressure from ordinary people, and individual governments taking actions against Israel has forced Von Der Leyen to change her position.
“These words must now be turned to actions. Suspending the association agreement and imposing a two-way arms embargo the most severe sanctions on Israel should be fast tracked by the EU.
“They have been complicit in this genocide for too long. It’s now time to take a stand and ensure Israel is held to account for their crimes against humanity.”
