A proposal by Sinn Féin, urging the Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill to curb the importation of goods and services from unlawful Israeli settlements, has been unanimously approved by the Dublin City Council. The bill was brought forward to the Oireachtas in 2018 by Independent senator Frances Black, however, past Attorneys General had advised that it was in conflict with European Union trade law.
Legal counsel has now been sought by the Government from Attorney General Rossa Fanning regarding the proposed bill, following a judgment in July by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) condemning the illegal settlements on Palestinian territory. The ICJ advisory asserted that the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem contravened international law, and that Israel’s occupation of these territories constituted long-term annexation infringing upon the Palestinian people’s right to self-governance.
The timing of the council’s motion coincides with the one-year commemoration of the October 7th assaults enacted by Hamas on Israel, which led to the death of 1,205 individuals and set off a year of Israel’s counter-attacks, resulting in over 41,000 Palestinian fatalities. The council also adopted a motion from the majority of Independent councillors denouncing both the October 7th attacks and the Israeli reaction. Councillors agreed to ask Taoiseach Simon Harris to convey their motion to US President Joe Biden during his visit to Washington this week.
Dáithí Doolan, who proposed the Sinn Féin motion, stated that passing the bill would send a “unmistakable message to Israel that their policy of genocide comes with repercussions”. He emphasized its importance, claiming that “the largest local authority in the county speaking with a unified voice and urging the Government to act on this issue”.
Cieran Perry, representing the Independent group, expressed thorough support for both resolutions, stressing the urgency for the Taoiseach to express the sentiments of the Irish population to Mr Biden. The US must cease their financial assistance towards the atrocities described as “genocide” carried out by Israel. Perry gave voice to the emotional toll of witnessing the ongoing devastation inflicted upon children, women, and men.
Darragh Moriarty from the Labour party argued for the conveyance of a powerful message; Ireland could pioneer the stance that profiting from invaded, confiscated territories is unacceptable. They can potentially set an example that others might follow like the toppling of dominoes.
Hazel Chu, of the Green Party, championed the passing of the Bill, saying it makes tangible their current duties in accordance with international law.
As an Independent, Malachy Steenson put forth his uncompromised support for the resolutions, advocating for the cessation of any commerce with countries who provide financial or armaments support to Israel.