James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue, the Second Stage debate of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. The enactment of legislation to prohibit the purchase of goods or services produced in settlements deemed illegal is a proportionate response to breaches of international law. It sends a strong message from Ireland on the need to respect such laws. Ireland and Fianna Fáil-led Governments have a long history of standing up for international law and the Bill is in keeping with that history. Our Bill will not end illegal settlements but it will demonstrate Ireland's significant opposition to them and will send a message to countries flouting international law.

The Bill is not to be interpreted as an encouragement to boycott the state of Israel, the Israeli people or those of the Jewish faith. Israel's right to exist and its right to self-determination are things that I will always support. Like any country, Israel has a right to defend itself with proportionate action. However, Israel also has a moral obligation as a member of the international community to adhere to international law. International law is clear in holding that the occupation of lands in the West Bank and Gaza as well as the establishment of illegal settlements on those lands are illegal. Internationally accepted standards of human rights, proportionality and responsibility must be adhered to by all sides.

I travelled to the West Bank and Jerusalem with my colleague, Deputy Robert Troy. There is little of the state of Palestine left to recognise. Palestinians have fewer rights and less land and freedom than ever before. The restrictions placed on them that I witnessed mean their homeland is little more than an open prison. The despair and hopelessness that I saw among Palestinians was horrifying. They live under a crushing and suffocating administration that denies them dignity. They have been destroyed economically. The situation is desperate and deteriorating. Nevertheless, I met people who refused to surrender. These people demonstrate the courage to endure on a daily basis. We met families whose homes have been knocked down or who have been thrown out of their homes. We met farmers who are not allowed to take stones from their land so that they can grow crops for their families or be productive. It was disturbing to stand in a field where the farmer could barely grow enough food for his family and, yet, when I looked over the brow of the hill I could see a neighbouring field that was as lush as any field in Ireland. That can be attributed to human rights abuses.

A two-state solution whereby Israel and Palestine co-exist side-by-side peacefully is the only solution. Unless a political solution is found the extremists will prevail on both sides. Conciliation and dialogue represent the only path to a political solution. However, the actions of Israel defence forces have made that more difficult and have strengthened the hand of those on both sides who oppose peace. The international community must provide leadership. It must provide a resolution to the conflict. I believe this Bill is a step in that direction.

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