Opposition Intensifies Push for Coalition to Add Services to Occupied Territories Bill
Opposition parties are intensifying their efforts to urge the Government to include a trade ban on services within the Occupied Territories legislation. Next week, People Before Profit will propose a motion that seeks to enhance the Government’s plans by integrating a ban on trade in services, alongside goods, relating to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory.
Government’s Legislative Challenges
Concerns have arisen regarding whether the upcoming legislation will encompass a trade ban on services. Last month, Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the Dáil, stating that feedback indicated complications in implementing such a ban. He noted, “Goods can be traced fairly easily… Services are a much different kettle of fish.”
This proposed legislation traces its roots back to Independent Senator Frances Black, who introduced the original Occupied Territories Bill in 2018. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently declared Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal under international law, prompting the Government to reconsider its stance and develop new legal frameworks.
International Backlash and Domestic Pressure
The current Coalition has asserted its commitment to legislation prohibiting goods from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. However, it faces pressure from US politicians who claim such legislation could harm Ireland’s economic credibility and its relations with the United States. A recent letter from multiple US Senators and Congress members conveyed their apprehensions regarding the potential impact of the proposed ban.
Despite this, a US source indicated that political opponents in the US do not differentiate between goods and services in their concerns over the legislation.
Advocacy for Inclusion of Services
Leading the charge for a comprehensive ban, Senator Black emphasized the importance of adhering to the ICJ’s findings. “Trade with the illegal Israeli settlements, both goods and services, must end,” she stated, reiterating the Foreign Affairs Committee’s unanimous support for the inclusion of service bans.
Black further challenged the Government, stating, “It’s time for them to stop delaying, show some courage, and act.”
The Role of Left-Wing Parties
In anticipation of the upcoming debate, Paul Murphy, a representative of People Before Profit-Solidarity, urged unity among left-wing parties. He highlighted that collaboration could mobilize community movements and compel the Government to take action.
The motion is scheduled for discussion on Wednesday morning, with a potential vote in the Dáil later that evening. Campaigners advocate for including services within the Bill, particularly regarding online platforms operating in the Occupied Territories. Although the Foreign Affairs Committee recommended this inclusion, it admitted the absence of specific data to quantify services imported from these territories.
At the report’s release, Senator Black remarked that most companies, particularly American ones, would likely not be affected by the Bill, as they do not engage in trade with the illegal settlements.
Calls for Action from Activists
Recently, Omar Barghouti, founder of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Movement, spoke at a cross-party meeting in Leinster House. Afterward, TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh remarked that Barghouti’s message should serve as a critical reminder that Palestinians are demanding action against what they perceive as ongoing injustices.
