EU-Israel trade agreement faces potential suspension, advocated by Mary Robinson

Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and a renowned human rights advocate, has urged the European Union to take a stronger stance against Israel's government. Speaking at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, where she was awarded the Stearne Medal for her contributions to Ireland and the world, Robinson called for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement's trade pillar.

Robinson's plea was directed at the ongoing war and famine in Gaza, a situation she deemed unacceptable. She urged the European Union to use its influence to put pressure on Binyamin Netanyahu's government to bring about a resolution to the crisis.

In her speech, Robinson praised Ireland for showing leadership on the issue and expressed her hope that more states would recognise the state of Palestine. She mentioned several European countries, including France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Belgium, that have already recognised Palestine.

Robinson did not shy away from criticising other world leaders. She accused President Donald Trump of being complicit in the unfolding genocide in Gaza, a claim she supported with her belief that the current situation in Gaza is a deliberate famine.

Looking ahead, Robinson announced her plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly later this month, where she will join other members of the Elders to push for peace. She also declined to comment on the presidential election and the proposed Occupied Territories Bill in Ireland, citing her status as an ex-president.

During her visit to the Rafah crossing in the region, Robinson found the area to be silent and the situation to be grave. Over 140 UN member states, including China, have recognised the State of Palestine, with a total of 147 out of 193 recognising it by early 2025. However, Western countries like France, Belgium, Canada, Malta, Australia, and potentially the UK have announced plans to recognise Palestine at the 2025 UN General Assembly, while some major Western states such as the USA and Germany have not.

Robinson's call for action serves as a reminder of the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the need for global intervention to bring about peace and alleviate the suffering of its people.