Senator Frances Black: Enacting Occupied Territories Bill is the right thing to do

I have been advocating for the Occupied Territories Bill since 2018 because I believe it is the right thing to do. The settlements are illegal, rob families of their land, and undermine prospects for peace, writes Senadóir Frances Black.

In the six years since I introduced the Occupied Territories Bill, the situation in Palestine has plunged deeper into crisis. Thankfully, there is a ceasefire in Gaza today, but for the past year, the world has witnessed the horrific war while a silent catastrophe unfolded in the West Bank. We are seeing one of the largest land grabs in decades: homes are destroyed, families uprooted, and innocent lives lost to violence. How can we condemn these actions as illegal yet continue trading in the products of this oppression? This hypocrisy must end.

Before the general election in November 2024, the government parties committed to supporting this Bill, but they are now proposing their own version. As far as I am concerned, it makes no difference whether the Government passes my legislation or introduces its own. What matters is the policy. Will it implement a full ban on all trade with illegal settlements? Will the Government’s Bill comply with international law, as clarified by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), or will it include exemptions and weaken the mandate? This is the crucial question that every journalist, activist, and politician should be asking when the Dáil reconvenes.

Let us not forget international law. In July 2024, the ICJ issued a historic finding, stating that the occupation and settlements are illegal and that there is an obligation on all states not to trade with them. This clear requirement must be taken seriously.

Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have acknowledged these obligations, and I welcome this recognition. Programme for Government 2025 also commits to adhering to the ICJ’s ruling. However, the Court emphasised that states must “abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings” with Israel regarding the occupied territories and illegal settlements. There is no ambiguity; trade means trade, and we cannot ignore politically challenging aspects.

“How can we condemn these actions as illegal yet continue trading in the products of this oppression?” Senator Frances Black

What we ask for is not new. In 2014, Ireland and the EU quickly banned trade in goods and services with Russian-occupied territory. A similar ban was implemented within months of Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. Why should there be a double standard? International law must be applied equally and consistently; otherwise, it means nothing. This is even more critical given the EU’s inadequate response to the genocide in Gaza.

I reiterate: if we want to implement the ICJ ruling, the quickest way is to pass the Occupied Territories Bill. I am open to technical amendments to strengthen it, but what matters is that a full ban is enacted and that we uphold our commitments. No more theft of land without consequences. No more ifs or buts. Ireland can lead on this, and we have no time to waste.

I believe we have made progress because ordinary people across the country have spoken out and demanded action. The activists are truly inspiring. We must never give up on the Palestinian people.