Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, will tomorrow move a Dáil motion calling on the government to respect the wishes of the Irish people and pass the Occupied Territories Bill without further delay.

Deputy Ó Laoghaire added that collectively the opposition would implore Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to stop stalling and prevaricating, to stand firm in the face of Israeli belligerence, and proceed with the passage of the bill.

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:

“Sinn Féin will tomorrow move a Dáil motion calling on government to stop the delay and progress the Occupied Territories Bill.

“We are calling on government to introduce a legislative ban, in line with the opinion of the ICJ, on all trade, including services, with Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem.

“This cannot happen quickly enough. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have stalled and prevaricated at every turn. 

“Collectively, Sinn Féin and others in opposition, will implore the government to move speedily without any further delay.

“I call on members of government who, in the past, have stated their support for the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill to put their money where their mouth is.

“The desire of the Irish people to do the right thing and be on the right side of history must be respected in the face of the brutality of Benjamin Netanyahu’s genocidal Israeli regime.

“The only way to stop the slaughter in Palestine and build a lasting peace in the Middle East is to end Israeli impunity.

“So our message is simple, the government must stand firm in the face of Israeli belligerence and proceed with the passage of the Occupied Territories Bill. 

“Sanctions are essential to push for a lasting ceasefire, an end to this genocidal war, and deliver a renewed peace process grounded in international law.”