Israel-Hamas War

Ireland among four EU states to call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Ireland, Spain, Malta and Slovenia said they are ready to recognise the state of Palestine ‘when the circumstances are right’

Leo Varadkar said on Friday that the strong position of Ireland, Spain and Slovenia “was a factor” in getting agreement on a ceasefire call but that the escalating violence in Gaza and the shifting US position also played a part. Picture: Bloomberg

Ireland, Spain, Malta and Slovenia have issued a joint statement saying they are ready to recognise the state of Palestine “when the circumstances are right” and called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

The statement echoes previous EU talking points on a two-state solution and the readiness for recognising statehood, but goes further than the immediate humanitarian pause leading to a ceasefire as demanded by member states late Thursday evening.

“We are agreed that the ...