Varadkar “satisfied” with EU statement on Israel-Hamas conflict

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he is "satisfied" with the language contained within a statement agreed by the 27 E.U leaders on the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating that an adequate "compromise" had to be reached.

After five hours of deliberations, an agreed upon statement was published, calling for "humanitarian corridors and pauses," allowing aid and supplies to enter Gaza. The statement, however, fell short of demanding a full cessation of military activity in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking on the second day of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Varadkar said: “I’m satisfied with the language, it was always going to be difficult to come to a compromise language that 27 countries with very different perspectives could sign up to. That was done yesterday.”

Varadkar emphasised the overarching sentiments of the E.U's "evolving" position; condemning the violent attacks perpetrated by armed Palestinian group Hamas, whilst also recognising Israel's right to defend itself — ensuring however, that the military actions of the IDF are in accordance with international law.

“And also calling for a pause or pauses so that humanitarian aid can get in, so the hostages can get out and so that US citizens can leave if they choose to do so,” he said.

The Taoiseach also noted the evolving European position in relation to the conflict, the E.U now firmly articulating the importance of ethical humanitarian law and identifying the unfolding crises in Gaza — as a result of the Israeli-imposed siege and retaliatory aerial bombardments.

“If you went back to three weeks ago, it appeared that the European Union was supporting Israel without any equivocation or qualification – that changed a week or so ago to continuing to support Israel’s right to defend itself but emphasising the supremacy of international law, humanitarian law, to yesterday, 27 countries calling for a pause to allow aid to get in and to allow citizens and hostages to get out. So I think you’re seeing an evolving position there,” said Varadkar.

Residential damage in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes, 7th October 2023. Wafa/APA

When asked what he would say to the people in Ireland that do not believe the E.U is firm enough in their position in relation to the conflict, who are seeing thousands of children dying in Gaza and see E.U leaders unable to use the word ceasefire, the Taoiseach said on issues of foreign policy, it is difficult for Europe to be on the same page.

“Because decisions have to be made by unanimity, inevitably, any decision is going to be a compromise." Varadkar stated. "The option we have into the future is to have a common foreign policy. That means being willing to be out voted on occasion and I think people would be uncomfortable with that too. But that’s a debate I think for another day…"

He also noted the E.U as an "interesting construct," as there has to be a general political consensus upon most issues — the single market, agricultural policy — but that doesn’t extend to foreign policy and defence.

When asked by the Journal to consider whether Europe will call for a ceasefire in the future, Varadkar said: “It’s hard to predict. I think that is possible, depending on how things develop on the ground. In some ways, I hope that doesn’t happen because if the European Union got to  that position, that it was calling for a ceasefire, it probably would be after a lot more people have died and suffered in the region.

“So hopefully, in some ways, it doesn’t come to that, but I think it is possible that could be the position in a few weeks or a few months time…"

In contrast to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen's recent controversial pro-Israel sentiments, Varadkar has stated that "the history of this conflict didn’t begin with the attacks on October 7, and won’t end with a land war in Gaza."“It’s very, very clear. 75 years or more of conflict between Israel the Arabs, wars, terrorist attacks, huge instability. This won’t end because of the military solution, it can’t. And one of the things we agreed yesterday and all 27 countries agreed to this is that there should be a two-state solution and that we need to have a peace conference and the European Union need to be a part of that,” he said.