Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

Israel's Apartheid against Palestinians: Amnesty International

Photo of Richard Boyd BarrettRichard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I asked one question that was not answered, although I very much appreciate all the answers that were given. I asked whether the apartheid system that has been identified by Amnesty International as being operated by Israel will lead us to the same conclusions as we eventually took in dealing with apartheid in South Africa? The sanctions being called for should be of the same sort as those that eventually brought about the dismantlement of the apartheid regime in South Africa. As the witnesses know, there is a difference in emphasis. Some people would say we should put in place sanctions for one particular aspect, such as illegal settlements, or a particular form of behaviour. The witnesses are saying this is a system and I agree, with the system going right across the state of Israel, not just Gaza and the West Bank. That system has been operating for a very long time and is institutionalised.

It seems that this means the international community is duty-bound to take the same attitude to the Israeli apartheid system as it took to the apartheid system in South Africa? Do the witnesses agree? It is the inevitable conclusion but is it the conclusion being drawn by Amnesty International. It is certainly the conclusion I have.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.