Ireland to Ban Israeli Settlement Goods

Ireland is moving forward with plans to introduce legislation banning the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, despite strong opposition from the United States and pro-Israel groups.

The move comes after more than a dozen members of the US Congress urged that Ireland be added to a list of countries boycotting Israel if the bill is passed.

Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said that, despite pressure, Ireland intends to proceed with the legislation. His comments follow mounting global criticism of Israel after the country’s security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City.

Ireland’s governing coalition, comprising Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and a group of independents, confirmed in its January government program its commitment to introducing a ban on goods from the occupied Palestinian territories. 

A party committee has also recommended that the government approve the bill and expand the ban to cover trade in services linked to the settlements.

Harris stressed that Ireland is not alone in seeking to end trade with the occupied territories. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said people in Ireland, Europe and around the world are deeply concerned about what he described as genocidal actions in Gaza, including children facing starvation, and vowed to use all tools available to address the situation.