Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE REINTRODUCTION OF the Occupied Territories Bill would not make any “practical difference” and would be “more symbolic”, according to the Taoiseach.
Micheál Martin addressed the UN General Assembly yesterday, stating that the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is untenable.
He said the issue is raised each month by Ireland, yet nothing has changed.
“Israeli settlement building continues to undermine – it would seem knowingly and deliberately – the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State, and to jeopardise the two-State solution. Settlements are a clear violation of international law and today stand in the way of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
“Let us be clear. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is untenable. We cannot – and must not – become inured to it,” Martin said during his speech.
Given his strong criticisms yesterday, the Taoiseach was asked if he would support the reintroduction of the Occupied Territories Bill.
The Bill, which was brought to the Oireachtas by independent senator Frances Black, seeks to prevent Ireland from trading in goods and services imported from Israeli-occupied territories.
Although it does not mention Israel or Palestine specifically, it aims to prohibit “the import and sales of goods, services and natural resources originating in illegal settlements in occupied territories”.
The Bill passed in the Seanad in December 2018 despite government opposition, before passing second stage in the Dáil in January 2019. Fine Gael and Tánaiste Simon Coveney have repeatedly outlined their opposition to the Bill.
During Government formation negotiations, the Green Party pushed to have the Bill included in the Programme for Government document.
However, Fine Gael resisted. When the Green Party’s Neasa Hourigan was asked what happened to the Bill, she said “Simon Coveney happened”.
Speaking to reporters in New York this morning, the Taoiseach said the bill would “definitely not make a practical difference if we’re honest, it’s more symbolic than actually having a practical impact”.
He said it would also have an impact in terms of European Union competency on trade.
Speaking about his statement to the UN Assembly, he said his remarks were focused on the continued settlements and the need to ensure the “situation doesn’t get worse”.
“There’s issues on all sides, by the way, that need to be advanced, they need elections within the Palestinian area, and within the West Bank,” he said.
“That hasn’t happened since 2006. So there are issues there. But there is a need for a high-level intervention, because the situation could become far worse into the future.
“And the point I’m making, and I’ve always consistently made, voices of moderation need to be heard. And there’s a real danger that more hardline voices will emerge in the absence of sensible interventions and a sensible approach to make sure that the middle ground can govern with authority within in the West Bank and within Gaza,” he said.
Christina will be reporting from the UN throughout the week. You can follow her updates on Twitter @christinafinn8.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
What’s wrong with symbolism?
@Seán Ó Briain: Because symbols aren’t any damn good to the Palestinian people who’ve been trampled on for far too long. It’s long past time that Israel were made abide by international law and all those UN resolutions they’ve continually turned a blind eye to.
@Seán Ó Briain: It gets in the way of the real work and moral obligation that the Irish government to its citizens and legal residents to improve their lives.
A symbolic stance is still better than no stance. Should we just say nothing and not call out China while they are committing genocide on their minorities, or should we join others in calling it genocide at the very least and consider sanctions? And similarly we should call out Israel on their behaviour and show that more countries think their dirt treatment of Palestine should have consequences. If enough call a spade a spade then they will collectivise and cause action.
@Paul Cunningham: While I agree with a lot of what you say, like China, Russia, Iarael and more being called out, I can’t share your optimism that a symbolic stance will have an effect. Maybe if enough countries did there might be some chance but I don’t see many lining up to do so. I’m afraid I spend too much of my time thinking about the lovely Palestinian people young and old that I met on a trip there in 1991 to think symbols are going to help them. The conditions they’re expected to live under on a daily basis are horrendous, it’s not even an existence. Before anyone has a go at me, I condemn violence from any side and that includes Hamas. Can we not do more to make sure another generation does not have to endure this torture. Enough is enough #StandWithPalestine
The Attorney General has said more than once that the Occupied Territories Bill would likely be unenforceable because of EU trade rules. It is the very worst form of virtue signalling.
@: Isreal is not in the EU
@Dave Connolly: No but Ireland was last time I checked, and we’re subject to EU trade rules. Can you not spell Israel, or do you spell it wrong on purpose?
Symbolism or virtue flagging?
Which other conflict does Ireland feel competent to interfere in? Millions of Uighers and Tibetansare dying to hear from Dublin.
@David Guy: whatabout, whatabout, whatabout …. If you continue to whatabout David you will achieve nothing .
Gaza – Never the same after that knee injury
have your say