This level of craven inaction is not just inexplicable, it is disgusting.
New legal advice has highlighted that enacting the Occupied Territories Bill is not just permissible, it is essential, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
“Israel has been engaged in a relentless annihilation of Gaza for nearly a year, while the western world sits idly by. The death toll stands at more than 40,000 people; more than 100,000 are injured or missing, presumed dead under rubble; and once eradicated diseases like polio are now making a return for the first time in 25 years.
“What is the international community waiting for before there is action? Our own government have offered strong words of condemnation of Israel – but, what have they actually done?
“Our trading relationship with Israel remains virtually unchanged, we have retained diplomatic relations with the State of Israel and no travel sanctions to Ireland have been imposed on those committing this genocide. This level of craven inaction is not just inexplicable, it is disgusting.
“The government have repeatedly claimed they are unable to enact the Occupied Territories Bill because it is at odds with EU law – an assertion that has always been disputed. However, new legal advice, obtained by the Campaign to Pass the Occupied Territories Bill, has revealed that Ireland does not just have a duty to enact this legislation – it has an obligation to do so.
“A recent ruling of the International Criminal Court stated that all states must “abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory” and “take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.
“The judgment could not be clearer. Trade with Israeli companies and businesses located in the Occupied Territories is helping to maintain an illegal occupation and must end. Enacting the Occupied Territories Bill is the quickest way to do this.
“This government has mere months left in office. It does not have time to draft its own legislation and it has a legal and moral duty to act. I, and other Social Democrats TDs, will support the early recall of the Dáil to enact this vital legislation.
“Will the government finally do more than issue strong words – and act?”
4 September, 2024
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