The Green Party has long called for the condemnation of the annexation of Palestinian land. This evening Dáil Éireann will debate a motion in response to the recent escalation of violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Expected to gain cross-party support, the motion condemns the displacement of the protected Palestinian population and states that the presence and expansion of Israeli settlements over decades represents a flagrant violation of international law.
Minister of State Joe O’Brien with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities stated,
“This sends a strong message from Ireland to the international community, including EU Member States, that the continued breaches of international law by Israel cannot be tolerated. As someone who has worked on the ground in Palestine and worked to highlight the range and depth of injustice that ordinary people suffer, I am glad to see this motion getting broad support.”
Signifying the culmination of years of work by civic society and political parties, the Minister added, “This action reflects the tireless work of NGOs here in Ireland. It breaks new ground and better reflects the reality of annexation and our responsibility as a country to confront and challenge injustice on the international stage.”
Senator Vincent P Martin and Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated,
“Provocative, indiscriminate, disproportionate military responses only serve to divide further and deepen hostilities, making the attainment of a lasting peace much more difficult. Whilst aggressors must be held to account, the immediate priority must be for the ceasefire to hold – hopefully this will create an environment which allows for vital and meaningful dialogue between the parties to take place.”
Patrick Costello TD and Green Party Spokesperson for Justice added,
“We need look at the root causes of this recent onslaught. The spark that ignited the current flame was the attempt by the Israeli Government to confiscate homes and to expel Palestinians living in occupied East Jerusalem. This was an action of annexation.
“I witnessed many injustices first hand as a human rights observer in the West Bank. it is long past time for the international community to call out annexation and occupation and we hope that other EU Member States will follow Ireland’s lead in condemning these continued breaches of international law, and work with us to take action against them”
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