Laois County Council has agreed to support the Occupied Territories Bill with a view to opposing the ongoing Israeli war in Palestine.
There have also been calls to have the Israeli Ambassador expelled out of the county and their Embassy in Dublin closed.
The move came following an impassioned plea from Independent Councillor Tommy Mulligan.
“Frances Black introduced the Occupied Territories Bill in 2018 and, if enacted, will result in a complete ban on the import of goods and services produced in illegal settlements including from Israeli settlements in Palestinian Territories,” Cllr Mulligan said.
“It has successfully passed through the Seanad and the initial stage in Dáil Eireann. It is supported by human rights organisations throughout the world.
“It has been supported by all parties in the Dáil with the exception of Fine Gael.
“Over the last fortnight there was an 11-day relay walk, which I took part in myself, starting out in Kerry and reaching the gates of Leinster House last to Tuesday to present a petition to appeal to the members of the Oireachtais to enact the bill.
“Over 40,000 signatures had been gathered along the walk to support the bill.
“With the genocide being perpetrated by Israel in Gaza over the last year, along with the apartheid system, and annexation of the West Bank, it is more important now more than ever that we take a stand at international level.
“Ireland recognises that Israel is illegally occupying Palestine but yet still trade with them. The Hypocrisy of it.
“I cannot believe what is happening in Gaza, the Occupied West Bank and now Lebannon. It’s stomach churning and there’s times I have to distance myself from it.
“Thousands of men, women and children being burnt alive and being crushed to death as a result of bombings; tens of thousands of Palestinians being rounded up and imprisoned and sent to torture camps in the Negev desert.
“They are bombing hospitals, schools, and refugee camps; doctors, medical staff and journalists are all being slaughtered; no international reporters allowed into Gaza – it’s been hell on earth every day for almost a full year.
“The annexation of the West Bank taking place on a daily basis. Illegal settlers are taking over Palestinian lands and homes, some of which is being sold in auctions in America and Canada.
“These are terrifying times with what Israel is doing, and we are complicit with them as long as we trade with them.
“In 1987, Ireland was the first country in the world to cease trade with apartheid South Africa. We helped change history and we had a huge impact at an international level.
“We can do the same thing if we support this Bill and if the Irish government enact it.”
There was resounding support from Sinn Féin Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley and Independent Councillor Aisling Moran.
“At the moment, Israel is certainly in breach of two war crimes,” Cllr Dwane Stanley said. “And yet it remains legal in this country for for goods and services originating from the settlements to be sold in Ireland.
“It seems that nobody is prepared to take a stance and stop Israel from carrying out their genocide.
“I believe the Israeli Embassy in Ireland should be closed, and I also believe the Israeli Ambassador should be sent home.
“It is absolutely horrifying to think that the whole world is just sitting back and watching this happen.”
Cllr Moran also added her support, saying: “Israel is breaking International Law; this is a genocide.
“It’s an absolute disgrace; the number of innocent people that are being raped, murdered, tortured, bombed – every single day.
“Ireland cannot stand by and let this happen.”
Laois County Council will write to the three party leaders in Government (Taoiseach Simon Harris, leader of Fine Gael, Táiniste Mícheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, and Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party) to ask government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.
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