The Occupied Territories Bill 2018

TIME TO TAKE ACTION!
... ON BANNING GOODS FROM ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS


On 11th July, Seanad Éireann will vote on Senator Frances Black's Occupied Territories Bill 2018. If enacted, this Bill will ban imports from Israeli settlements established on stolen Palestinian land, a War Crime under international law. This is a chance for Ireland to take a major stand in support of Palestine.

This Bill was debated in January 2018 but the vote was adjourned at the request of the Government (which at this point will not be voting in favour of the Bill). The Green Party, Labour, Sinn Féin and several independents (including former Attorney General Senator Michael McDowell) have committed to voting in favour of it. However, because of the position of the Government, Fianna Fáil support is essential to ensure this vote is passed.

Sadaka, Trócaire, Christian Aid, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Senator Frances Black and other members of the Seanad Civil Engagement Group are working together on this initiative.

BUT - WE NEED YOUR HELP
and YOUR URGENT ACTION!

Ireland must introduce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements
Please take the following actions which could be the most effective you will ever take in opposing Israel's War Crimes

  • 1.  TELL FIANNA FÁIL YOU WANT THEM TO VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE BILL

    • While broadly supportive, the party has not committed its support for the vote on the 11th July.  Its support is critical.  Call, write a letter or e-mail the following: Micheál Martin, Niall Collins (FF spokesperson on Foreign Affairs), your local Fianna Fáil TD.


  • 2.  LET THE GOVERNMENT KNOW THAT YOU WANT IT TO SUPPORT THIS BILL

    • The Irish Government, reflecting the position of the Irish people, has repeatedly condemned Israel’s relentless settlement expansion in Occupied Palestinian Territory. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney should translate those words of condemnation into clear, decisive action. Call, write a letter or e-mail Simon Coveney.


  • 3.  URGE THOSE WHO WILL VOTE ON 11TH JUNE TO VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE BILL

    • Ireland should seek an EU ban on trade and investment with Israeli colonies/settlements, the construction of which has involved the commission of war crimes by Israel on a massive scale. It is crucial that this Bill passes in the Seanad on 11th June.  The following Independent Senators could make the difference. Write to, call or e-mail them so they know that the Irish electorate expect them to defend the rights of the Palestinian people.   

Victor Boyhan Gerard Craughwell Joan Freeman Billy Lawless
Ian Marshall Rónán Mullen Pádraig Ó Céidigh Marie Louise O’Donnell
If you have time to contact other politicians please send an email to each of the Fianna Fáil Senators asking them to support the Bill.

IMPORTANT - IT IS CRUCIAL TO DISTINGUISH THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES BILL FROM BDS.

PLEASE - refrain from mentioning Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) when contacting any of the above. This is not a BDS action. It is an initiative which, if successful, will prohibit the import of goods and services which are produced in illegal Israeli settlements. The construction of settlements is a war crime under international law so essentially it will prevent Ireland from trading in the proceeds of criminal activity.

Now is the time to start contacting your local representatives. Every phone call,  letter or e-mail will make a difference.  And if you can speak directly to them, all the better!

Together we can make sure Ireland enacts a ban on trade with Israeli settlements.

Fourteen Local Councils already support a ban on the import of goods from Israeli settlements. Is yours amongst them?