Government must act now on Occupied Territories Bill
Labour’s Duncan Smith TD has condemned Donald Trump’s outrageous call to forcibly relocate the 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza and called for immediate action to pass the Occupied Territories Bill.
Deputy Smith said:
“For the United States, a supposed beacon of freedom and justice, its continued indifference to the plight of the Palestinian people is not just a diplomatic failure; it is a moral stain that history will not easily wash away. Trump’s comments are the latest in a long line of disgraceful and dangerous rhetoric, which only serve to embolden the Israeli Government’s egregious actions.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael pledged to support the Occupied Territories Bill during the general election campaign, we’re now hearing reports that this may be scrapped or watered down. This Government needs to come clean. Are they scrapping this legislation to appease and maintain a cosy relationship with the United States? The Taoiseach says amendments are being worked on, we need clarity on exactly what that means.
“Labour has long called for meaningful trade sanctions against Israel—just as the world did to end apartheid in South Africa. South Africa was isolated politically, economically, culturally, and in sport. It was only through sustained international pressure that apartheid was overturned. The same must happen now with Israel. This bill would take a crucial step by banning the sale of settler goods in Ireland. The government must act.
“The time for statements and half-measures is over. Ireland must take a stand, within the EU and the UN, to hold the Israeli government accountable for its violations of international law. We cannot allow Netanyahu’s regime to act with impunity.
“This is about sending a message to the people of Palestine. A message that Ireland sees their suffering, Ireland stands with them, and Ireland will not turn a blind eye.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael claim to support a two-state solution. But words are meaningless without action. The Occupied Territories Bill represents a small but vital step towards that goal. If this Government truly believes in a just and lasting peace, they must pass this legislation now—not a diluted version, not empty promises, but the Bill as it was intended.”