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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Response to Middle East violence

Summary

Deputy Bacik calls for stronger Government action, including sanctions, over deaths in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank. The Minister condemns Israel's actions and signals further criticism of its military escalation.

We continue to see appalling loss of life in the Middle East and a really concerning escalation over recent days with the awful killings in Lebanon. All the while, Israel's brutal bombardment of Gaza and horrific human rights abuses in the West Bank continue. If Israel is behind the deaths in Lebanon, as we all assume, there must be consequences. We believe that stronger action is needed from the Government. We very much welcomed recognition of the State of Palestine but we believe that the Government should adopt a stronger position on sanctioning Israel. I call on the Government to pass the occupied territories Bill. I have in my hand a new legal opinion published at an event recently organised by Senator Frances Black concluding that the case for passing the occupied territories Bill is even stronger since the UN issued its advisory opinion. It also states that EU law does not prevent Ireland from acting unilaterally on this. I know that the Taoiseach has sought a new opinion from the Attorney General on the status of the occupied territories Bill, which would enable the passage of stronger trade sanctions against Israel. Will the Government commit to publishing the Attorney General's advice? Can the Minister give us any timeline as to when that advice will be published and when action will be taken on this?

Comment on this

I once again join the Deputy in her condemnation and the House's condemnation of the absolutely despicable actions that the Israeli state is undertaking, not just in Gaza, which it has flattened, with more than 40,000 people killed, many of whom are children, the continued actions in the West Bank, the continued annexation of land and the building of illegal settlements, and the continued persecution of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Then we have seen what we all assume and know is an escalation by the Israeli army. I will not call it a defence force in this sense because it is an offensive force here and it has been with regard to Lebanon. That is a very worrying escalation in events. We would obviously, as a country, call on our friends in the Middle East to show restraint, which I am sure is very difficult for them to do. I will revert to the Tánaiste, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Taoiseach with regard to the Deputy's intervention on the occupied territories Bill and we will revert to her.

Comment on this