Politics

Taoiseach and Spain’s Sanchez seek ‘urgent review’ of Israel trade over Gaza situation

Leo Varadkar and Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez wrote to Ursula von der Leyen expressing deep concern about expanded operation into Rafah

Pedro Sánchez and Leo Varadkar expressed their view that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency must be allowed to continue saving lives in Gaza. Picture: Getty

Ireland and Spain have written to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, expressing deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Gaza.

The letter from Leo Varadkar, the taoiseach, and Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, called for an “urgent review” into whether Israel was complying with its human rights obligations under its trade agreement with the European Union.

The letter also asked that the commission proposed “appropriate measures” that could be taken ...