The European Union has discussed for the first time whether to sanction Israel unless it stops its military operations in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, Ireland’s Foreign Minister has said.
“For the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I’ve seen significant discussion on sanctions and ‘what if,’” Micheál Martin told Politico.
He added that there is “some distance between people articulating the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with the ICJ’s ruling … to agreement in the Council meeting, given all of the different perspectives there.”
Last week the International Court of Justice issued provisional orders calling on Israel to cease its military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The report comes a day after Israel admitted to a “tragic error” after a military strike on two Hamas officials caused a fire that killed at least 45 civilians.
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