Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Given that yesterday was the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it is important that we speak out against the occupation and colonisation of Palestine and the constant campaigns of dehumanisation that Palestinians face every day. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is incredibly concerning as we hear of increased levels of disposition, violence and insecurity. The designation of six Palestinian civil society organisations as terrorist by the Israeli defence minister is especially concerning.

Palestinian property has been confiscated and Palestinian families are forcibly displaced. This has been particularly difficult for families in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially given the large-scale demolition of health facilities that occurred there during the pandemic, so much so that only 22% of health facilities in Gaza now remain open. At the same time we have heard reports of Israel selling its surplus vaccinations overseas while, as of August, a mere 16% of eligible Palestinians have been vaccinated. This is absolutely disgraceful. Ireland needs to step up to stand against this inequality and this apartheid state.

I would like to take this opportunity to speak on the substantial impact of the pandemic on Palestinian women and girls. The pandemic has exacerbated domestic violence, sexual abuse and forced marriage in the region, with an appalling 70% rise in calls received reporting gender-based violence. There are currently 34 Palestinian women in Israeli prisons. We must condemn violence against women in the strongest way possible and we must be a voice for the voiceless. We need to ensure that our trade does not legitimise the continued breach of international law and violations of human rights by Israel. I call on this Government immediately to stop blocking the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill, introduced by Senator Frances Black and the Civil Engagement Group in 2018.

The Irish people share a strong and unique bond with the people of Palestine due to our shared history of struggle and oppression. We saw this when we voted unanimously to condemn Israel’s de factoannexation of Palestinian land in the occupied territories. We saw this when thousands attended rallies across the country in solidarity with Palestine and we have seen it in the calls from the Irish people to boycott Israeli goods and to expel the Israeli ambassador. By ignoring these calls, by not recognising the state of Palestine, despite the already passed motion, and by blocking the occupied territories Bill this Government is not representing us. They are not representing the Irish people. Palestinians are quite literally living in an open-air prison and we will continue to speak out until Palestine is free.

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