Time to Act: Government must enact the Occupied Territories Bill

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD today raised serious concerns during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil regarding the escalating violence in the Middle East.

Deputy Bacik said:

“This week, we have witnessed the Israeli government continuing its genocidal actions in Gaza, bombing Lebanon, and advancing legislation to evict UNRWA from Israeli-occupied territories. In the last year, over 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza – in what is an illegal campaign of violence against civilians. Many thousands more have been maimed, displaced, or trapped. The murder of civilians is not only morally wrong, it is illegal under international law. The Government must act now.”

In recognising the steps Ireland has already taken, Bacik welcomed the Government’s response to the situation: “We in Labour welcome that the Tánaiste, Minister O’Gorman, and the Taoiseach will be briefed by the Attorney General on the Occupied Territories Bill next week. We in Labour are proud that Ireland has formally recognised the State of Palestine.

“But today, we are hearing reports of shots being fired on UNIFIL personnel by Israeli forces in Lebanon. This is deeply concerning and warrants an immediate response from the international community. We cannot remain silent while Israel violates international law, not only in Gaza and Lebanon but against the very people trying to protect peace.

“Government must act now to introduce meaningful trade sanctions on Israel. The legal advice we’ve received only strengthens the case for trade sanctions. Following the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion earlier this year, it is clearer than ever that Ireland must take a stand and impose sanctions on Israel. Words alone will not suffice.

“The current Government is running out of time. With a General Election on the horizon, they don’t have long left to do the right thing. Now is the time to introduce more effective trade sanctions on Israel and enact the Occupied Territories Bill.”