Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has this morning addressed the ‘European-Palestinian Initiative Against Apartheid and Settlements (EPIAAS)’ conference in Brussels. 

The conference launches the European element of a global anti apartheid campaign in support of Palestine. It takes place against the immediate backdrop of Israel’s ongoing war against the Palestinian and Lebanese people, targeted attacks on United Nations peacekeepers, and systematic practices of genocide, ethnic cleansing and collective punishment. 

Speaking at the event, Sinn Féin’s National Chairperson said:

“For over one year, live scenes have been broadcast daily of genocide, ethnic cleansing and collective punishment against Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. 

“Nearly 43,000 people have been slaughtered and 10,000 others are believed to be dead under the rubble. Over 100,000 have been injured, and a humanitarian catastrophe exists across the Gaza Strip, whilst 400,000 Palestinians face immediate annihilation in northern Gaza. 

“The ICJ rulings from South Africa’s case against Israel under the Genocide Convention are clear; states must act to prevent genocide by Israel against Palestinians and ensure that they are not party to violation of the Genocide Convention,

“The implications are therefore clear for the US, Britain, Germany, the EU, and elsewhere: They must finally comply with the ICJ orders, apply a comprehensive arms embargo against Israel, and impose full economic & political sanctions now.

“EU states must demand an end to the EU-Israeli Association Agreement and make it clear they will not be complicit with genocide, apartheid and illegal occupation.

“In Ireland, Sinn Féin is calling on the Irish government to immediately join South Africa’s ICJ case and to implement the Occupied Territories Bill & Illegal Settlements Divestment Bill.

“Israel’s murderous attacks on Lebanon are a direct consequence of a now-normalised complicity with, and an acquiescence to, the fanatics in Netanyahu’s government.  

“Netanyahu is clearly intent on annexing northern Gaza and southern Lebanon, and attempting a full annexation of the West Bank.

“Immediate ceasefires must be called in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Israeli forces must withdraw from all of Palestine and South Lebanon, and Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners should be released. Real peace negotiations must commence.

“The only solution which will guarantee permanent peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel, and create stability in the region is through self determination for the Palestinian people, and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”