Calls for punitive measures against the Israeli occupation escalated during the European Union foreign ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The 27 member states discussed possible sanctions, including halting arms exports and suspending European agreements with Israel.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that she was “not optimistic about imposing sanctions on Israel, due to the lack of consensus within the Union.”

Meanwhile, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris addressed the EU, saying: “I say to the Union: if it does not act collectively and impose sanctions on Israel now, then when?”