Laois TD urges the state to pass the Occupied Territories Bill and hold Israel accountable

“The occupied territories bill must be passed as a matter of urgency” says Portlaoise TD Brian Stanley.

The bill which has floated around since 2018, has come to the forefront of the Irish public’s agenda, since the October 7 Massacre and subsequent conflict.

“This bill must be passed now; we cannot keep fooling around” as Stanley Sternly puts it.

Recently having agreed a reluctant and temperamental ceasefire, the bombing has since continued. Stanley issued that – “The Israeli Government of Netanyahu has restarted the campaign of slaughter and destruction… In reality it never stopped”

Stanley advocates for the Israeli Government to – “face the consequences of its actions” while showing empathy for the civilian population in Gaza.

Nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been recorded to have died in the conflict. Other than the death toll, Stanley utters his concern for the future of the Palestinian state mentioning “Most of Gaza lies in ruins, including schools, hospitals and homes”.

Not only content in getting the bill passed in any form, but the TD for the Laois area was also adamant that “we must ban trade in services as well”.

“The ICJ rules that all states should not enter into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.

Stanley also, shines a light on Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for their “backsliding” with the two parties who, previously having given their commitment to getting the Occupied Territories bill passed.

“Martin and Harris expressed their support…Now they are changing their minds” Brian Stanley said.

Brian Stanley would draw the comparison in the Middle East to Apartheid South Africa, recalling that the state was “brought to its knees” and we should apply the same pressure to Israel.

SEE ALSO – Brian Stanley: ‘The only boss I have now is the people of Laois’