Vast Majority of Irish People Want EU Sanctions on Israel
Vast Majority of Irish People Want EU Sanctions on Israel
However, it is not looking likely that the EU will impose sanctions any time soon.
According to a study carried out by The Journal and Ireland Thinks, over three-quarters of Irish people (a significant 76%) believe that the EU should place sanctions on Israel. Just 15% of people disagree with the EU placing sanctions on Israel, while 9% stated that they didn’t know. The data demonstrated that younger people were slightly more likely to want sanctions (81% for 18-34 year olds). However, figures were still high among all other age groups, with at least 7 in 10 stating they think the EU should impose economic trade sanctions.
On a personal level, 31% of those polled by The Journal said they had boycotted companies associated with Israel at some stage since October 7th. These figures were much higher among younger people (18-34), with 47% saying they had boycotted companies, compared to just 14% of those over 65.
Ireland is widely considered the most pro-Palestine country in the EU and has recently joined Spain and Norway in officially recognising Palestinian statehood. As Israel’s devastating bombardment of Gaza continues into Rafah – the most densely populated area in the world and so-called “safe zone” for Palestinians, including 600,000 children sheltering there – these figures are unsurprising as global outrage grows.
Despite this, for the EU to back sanctions on Israel, every single member state would need to support the plan. Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Czechia are some of Israel’s closest allies and are highly likely to veto any sanctions.
So what can you do? Those interested in using their power as a consumer to boycott, should visit the BDS website. Here, is a comprehensive list of Israeli and international companies that are complicit in violations of Palestinian rights.
Elsewhere on District: Direct Action Works: Trinity’s Pro-Palestine Encampment is Proof
