Before the European Union’s monthly foreign affairs council meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin urged that it is vital for the global community to utilise every resource at hand to prompt Israel to cease warfare, reported World on October 13th.
This apparent plea is a recurring statement echoed by government officials. Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasised both in May and once more in mid-August that each country and alliance, including the European Union, must exploit every strategy available to accomplish a ceasefire.
I cannot dismiss the observation that it’s invariably foreign governments that are urged to “use every tool” to terminate the conflict, never the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister’s own administration.
One such strategy within the current government’s command is to cease any further delay in the execution of the Arms Embargo Bill. The controversial fact is that our Transportation Minister perpetually authorises exceptions to the ban on transportation of war ammunition through Irish airspace. Unveiling that numerous Israeli-conducted flights, carrying significant amounts of explosives for the Israeli army, have passed through Irish airspace without the Irish Government’s consent or approval is an added irritation.
Given the shocking lack of tangible action to support the government’s plea, it is not shocking that the Israeli state has demonstrated its disregard for international law by shooting at Unifil peacekeeping troops, even whilst continuing to inflict heavy casualties on entire families in the Gaza Strip.
On Sunday, a few thousand protesters from across Ireland gathered at Shannon Airport, demanding a halt to Ireland’s aid in fuelling the Israeli state’s warfare. The ruling parties must keep in mind that a resource available to us is the power of our vote.
Yours truly,
BRIAN Ó ÉIGEARTAIGH,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.
Dear Editor,
The Taoiseach’s recent interaction with the US president, Joe Biden, marked a cordial yet notable bifurcation. It has become increasingly apparent, after extensive analyses, that the monumental peace in the Middle East – a unanimous call by the Irish people- will not be brought about via any global superpower or alliance. Consequently, this scenario elevates the Taoiseach’s August commitment to reassess the trade relationships between Ireland and Israel.
Choosing to work independently shouldn’t prove a formidable task for us. After all, the history of our country is filled with notable examples of brave, solitary peace advocates. Up until now, despite the Irish government’s proclamations of concern and their standing with Palestine, there has yet to be a significant change towards the root cause of the crisis. The growing unrest exhibited by the Irish people is transparent. A surge in population, comprising youngsters and elders alike, are peacefully demonstrating their disappointment in their townships with homemade signs. The collective opinion is that the government has let them down regarding the Palestinian peace issue.
Amidst this, lies the Occupied Territories Bill, which has been unanimously supported by both voters and legislators. It offers a unique penalty model that applies exclusively to imports from illegal occupiers within taken-over territories, thereby leaving out locally-produced goods or products procured from the occupier’s homeland. The bill, attracting international acclaim, aims to rectify the drastic asymmetry of negotiating power between Israel and Palestine, thereby fostering dialogue.
By 2020, the bill had been given overwhelming support in both the Seanad and Dáil. That same year, the majority of voters favoured political parties that vowed to uphold the bill during the elections. However, during the formation of the government, its implementation was halted. This decision was justified based on the Attorney General’s stance, stating the bill’s incompatibility with Ireland’s EU membership—a stance that continues to face severe criticism by legal experts.
In this context, the Taoiseach’s review announcement on August 30, following the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s verdict deeming Israeli settlements in Palestine as unlawful, is of huge significance. The review proposes measures that bear resemblance to the Occupied Territories Bill which an ICJ member can enforce to terminate occupation. If the Occupied Territories Bill can be enacted during this Dáil term, it could provide an effective primary strategy for peace, benefiting the global community.
Yours sincerely,
David Clinch,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.