We have an international obligation to stand up for international law and progressing this Bill is part of fulfilling these obligations. The Bill is an important contribution to upholding international law and supporting Palestinian self-determination. It also fulfils a specific commitment contained in the programme for Government to progress legislation banning imports from Israeli settlements. Those goes along with a line of decisions that we have already taken, recognising the State of Palestine, intervening in the ICJ case, sending over €150 million in aid, and evacuating about 300 people, including sick and injured children. We have also co-sponsored a UN resolution and most recently sanctioned two Israeli ministers. Today, we are taking an important step based on the advisory opinion the ICJ gave on 19 July 2024, which stated that states should take steps to prevent trade that assists with maintaining the illegal situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. I understand that many are disappointed that this Bill does not include services, but I believe the Department and Minister have done the best they could with the advice that they received. This Bill will not bring an end to the dire situation on the ground in Palestine, but it is a symbol, similar to when we recognised the State of Palestine alongside Spain and Norway, and we are hopeful that other countries will follow suit just like that, and we will move closer to the overall objective of a peaceful two-state solution. Our reputation in Ireland is one of peace-building. This has to continue to be our focus. While we see escalating violence and expanding settlements in the West Bank, we must continue to try to build consensus at an EU level to seek collective action, such as suspending the EU-Israel agreement. I know that, just yesterday, the Taoiseach and Minister met the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, to discuss this. We know that a vote is imminent and a collective majority most likely still has not been achieved. We must also try to seek a proposal to ban trade in the occupied Palestinian territories at an EU level. We know that trade in goods with Ireland is only about €200,000, but we know that at an EU level, it could be in the billions and it would have a real impact. This Bill should be seen as an important signal. Ireland progressing legislation must be a signal for our EU counterparts to act decisively and collectively. I welcome the recent sanctions that were approved on violent settlers and also on Hamas leaders of the 7 October massacre. I continue to condemn, along with our Government, the multiple breaches of international law, and the recent regressive move to bring back the death penalty for Palestinians, which is absolutely abhorrent and repulsive. From our own history, the Irish people deeply understand and respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and we must continue until we see a full and absolute peace.

Sentiment score: 0.06