Irish Fine Gael politician, Minister for Justice since 2020
Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, numerous flights have been diverted or turned back mid-flight, including dozens of 'flights to nowhere.' Dubai International Airport experienced a drone strike that caused temporary closures and diversions, impacting thousands of travelers worldwide. Flights are gradually resuming amid ongoing security concerns.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.
Ireland is moving to pass a law limiting goods from Israeli-occupied West Bank settlements to a goods-only ban by mid-July, in line with government aims. The measure has faced opposition from business lobbyists and some politicians who prefer expanding the ban to services. Prime Minister Micheál Martin has signalled that widening to services would be unworkable, keeping the focus on goods.