We started this in 2015.

I was dismayed at the announcement yesterday that the US Administration, in a significant policy shift, no longer views the Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian land as illegal. The US is demonstrating yet again that it is determined to rip up decades of carefully developed international law and human rights protections. It is frightening, not because of some obscure legal argument but because it paves the way for formal annexation of the West Bank and for immense suffering on the ground. The Geneva Convention is absolutely clear that transferring civilians to occupied territory seized during war is illegal. It is a war crime, under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and there is overwhelming international legal consensus on this point. It has been reaffirmed time and again by the UN, the EU, the International Court of Justice and the Government. In Europe, we need to recognise that we are at a crossroads. If we maintain the policy of the past decades, which is essentially to criticise the Israeli occupation but support it financially, we will facilitate annexation. We have been copying and pasting the same statement of concern for years. If we carry on down this path, we will drive past the last exit on the road to annexation and the possibility of an independent Palestinian state will be gone. We will not be able to say we did not see it coming. Last year, I tabled the Occupied Territories Bill so that we could take a meaningful, peaceful, concrete step against this process and the settlements. We famously stood up and offered leadership on apartheid South Africa in the 1980s and I call on the Government to show some bravery and do the same in this regard. We can pass this Bill tomorrow with its support. I call on the Government to drop the pretence of legal opposition to the Bill and listen to the UN human rights rapporteur, Michael Lynk, who just last month urged the international community to end its financial support for the illegal settlements and ban the import of settlement goods. I urge the Government to read the letter published in The Guardian this week from a group of eminent Israeli citizens, including former ambassadors, attorneys general, speakers of the parliament and recipients of the Israel Prize. They say:

We believe that the occupation is morally corrosive, strategically shortsighted, and thoroughly detrimental to peace. The international community has taken insufficient action in addressing this reality. Europe continues to support the occupation financially by allowing trade with Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law. . . .

As Israelis who care about the future of our country, we ask the European Union to ban the import of settlement goods in order to support a just future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

This Government needs to realise that the status quo has not worked and it will only lead to annexation. It has a choice to make; it can take meaningful action or it can let the Pompeos of this world have their way.

Well said.

In the spirit of Senator Black's remarks, this afternoon we gathered in the Mansion House to bid farewell to the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, H. E. Ahmad Abdelrazek. He is retiring after six years of service in Ireland and 46 years' service to Palestine's diplomatic efforts around the world. This is a most important week for the Palestinian people, given the further devastation and injustice inflicted on them, not only by the remarks of the US Administration but by further violence from Israel. It is now crucially important that we pass the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill through the Oireachtas. Ireland must also use its place in the EU to stand up for justice and international law.

The Finucane family have campaigned for truth and justice regarding the murder of their husband and father, Pat, for 30 years. They have gained international renown for their dignity and grace in the face of constant obstacles and barriers. They have support from across the political spectrum in these Houses, as well as the support of the Government in securing an inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer, Pat Finucane. His son, John Finucane, is our first citizen in Belfast and he has been a fantastic example of the Good Friday Agreement generation. Despite being a victim of the conflict himself, he has shone as a beacon for a new Belfast and a new society that is peaceful, cohesive, and respectful. I do not expect colleagues to involve themselves in party political cheerleading for John or for our party, but it would be remiss of us not to stand firmly against the toxic, sectarian and vile campaign being led against him, not only in the constituency of North Belfast where he is seeking election, but throughout the Six Counties. As people who value the democratic and electoral process, and who think it a good thing that people put their names forward for election to represent the people, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that a clear message goes out from both these Houses and the Government that we continue to stand in solidarity with John and his family. We must stand with them and face down anyone who seeks to attack and retraumatise the Finucane family or broader victims across our society in the North, regardless of from where it is coming or at whom it is directed. It is incumbent on us to ensure that a clear message goes out of solidarity and support for John, his family, and by extension, the democratic and electoral process.