A review of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza by the EU has concluded that it is "in breach" of the human rights obligations of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, according to an extract of the report seen by RTÉ News.
The review was ordered by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement binds both parties to human rights and international humanitarian law.
Critics of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian population of Gaza have long argued that it is in breach of those obligations and that the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs trade, political and educational links, should be suspended, in whole or in part.
Ireland and Spain called for such a move in February last year. However, member states traditionally supportive of Israel, such as Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic, were opposed, meaning there was no consensus.
Last month the Dutch foreign minister - himself a former ambassador to Israel, and a long-time supporter - revived the idea. It followed Israel’s weeks-long humanitarian blockade of Gaza.
The Dutch proposal did garner majority support among national capitals and Ms Kallas ordered a review.
Following the publication of the review, a source close to Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "Now that the review has been completed, it's vital the European Union takes swift and concrete actions against Israel."
EU foreign ministers will address the review when they meet on Monday, and Ms Kallas will also brief EU leaders at their summit on Thursday.
However, in order to avoid bitter divisions, diplomats say member states could defer action against Israel for one month in the hope that it massively restores humanitarian aid to Gaza.
