Taoiseach condemns blocking of aid to Gaza but says action at summits ‘unlikely’

Résumé détaillé

On Russia, Micheál Martin said it remains to be determined whether Vladimir Putin is serious about Ukraine peace talks ...

Martin said Ireland was seeking to persuade EU leaders to do more for Gaza by putting pressure on Israel, but added that everyone was waiting for a new government in Israel. He said the leaders would discuss Palestine.

However, speaking on his way to the European Political Community summit, he said the “informal networking” nature of the event means there is no question of sanctions against Israel being on the agenda.

He said there was “divergence of opinion” among EU countries. “It has been very difficult on the trade and economic front to get a 27-member state position,” he said. “That’s the unfortunate reality on that.”

On Russia, he said it remains to be determined whether Vladimir Putin is serious about Ukraine peace talks.

“Maintaining channels of communication is very important,” he said, adding that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had a “channel to Moscow” which is “very important”.

Asked about the meeting between Kushner and Witkoff and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Dublin on Thursday evening, he said he hoped there would be progress.

“I think the objective of tonight’s meeting is to debrief president Zelenskiy on the engagement by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with president Putin and so it’s a moving situation,” he added.

Speaking earlier on RTÉ Radio, Martin said Ireland has neither the inclination nor the disposition to be involved in wars, as he defended moves to abolish the triple lock.

[ Government wants to send Irish troops on ‘Israel-friendly mission’, Mary Lou McDonald claimsOpens in new window ]

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