Palestinians are being slaughtered- killed in record numbers, their land taken, children dying of hunger. We are witnessing a genocide unfolding, inflicting a level of human suffering that is unbearable. Meanwhile, states around the world have done little to stop it.
Right now, Ireland has a chance to act through a new Bill inspired by the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB) – but as it stands, it only bans goods, not services. Before the summer recess, we must demand a full ban on both goods and services linked to illegal settlements.
The Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee is accepting submissions from the public until Wednesday, July 9th. This is your chance to demand that Ireland take a stand against Israel’s ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank.
It’s no time for politics. It doesn’t matter what the US thinks, or that they oppose this bill. We must act. Ireland must stand by its principles.
Use our template here to email all members of the Committee ([email protected]) in just a few clicks.
Latest figures show that a shocking 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 134,000 injured in Gaza. Meanwhile in the West Bank, Palestinians are facing an increasing campaign of oppression, displacement and terror. This bill would be one small step that Ireland can take against the illegal appropriation of land by Israel in the West Bank. It is part of the overall picture of accountability for what Israel is doing to Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza.
Irish politicians made firm promises to take action on this, but now they want to water down this bill to only address goods, and not services- this is unacceptable. Legal experts have confirmed: a services ban can be included under EU law.
The Irish Government must act. The bare minimum the Irish Government can do is ensure this new Bill delivers what the OTB set out to achieve, banning all trade and investment of goods and services – with illegal settlements.
This is your chance to show the Government that the Irish public demands real action for the people of Palestine.
