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Ireland Bans Israeli Ministers, Seeks EU Sanctions Amid Gaza War

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan announced bans on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the bans reflect an intent to eliminate Palestinians and merit EU sanctions.
Ireland will pursue EU-level sanctions despite uncertain backing from other member states.
The announcement came as an Israeli air strike in Gaza killed four senior Hamas security members, raising the war death toll to over 72,950 per Gaza’s health ministry.

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Story summary

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan announced bans on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the bans reflect an intent to eliminate Palestinians and merit EU sanctions.
Ireland will pursue EU-level sanctions despite uncertain backing from other member states.
The announcement came as an Israeli air strike in Gaza killed four senior Hamas security members, raising the war death toll to over 72,950 per Gaza’s health ministry.