David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I express my gratitude to Senator Terry Leyden for giving me the opportunity to speak. I know Susiya as I have been there. I also know its people. My friend Ezra Itzhak Nawi has been villified, framed and wrongly charged by Israeli Governments because of his attempts as a Jewish Israeli to support the people of Susiya.Five things need to be done. First, a protective diplomatic presence is needed. If there was a co-ordinated diplomatic effort to have a presence there in solidarity with them, this would inhibit the Israelis. Second, the impact should be recorded. Where demolition threatens donors' investment, the donors should enter into immediate communications with Israel and request that the Israeli Civil Administration delivers a official signed copy of the demolition order for its files. Donors should insist that these official signed orders clearly state the legal premise on which they are based and should challenge any premise that is not based on international humanitarian law. They should also plan to seek reparation for the damage done by Israel. Israel confiscated and demolished protective structures, temporary structures and slides for schools. What it is doing is outrageous. They should support fact finding to determine if a grave breach has occurred. The UN Secretary General has stated that Articles 53 and 49 of the Geneva Convention have been seriously breached by the Israelis. They should also insist that the Palestinians be given a role in the planning. They are excluded from planning, which is illegal under international law.

The people in Susiya have been there for 200 years. It was declared an archaeological site and they were forcibly moved. The village was demolished and was partly rebuilt. Israeli settlers were then allowed to move into what was an archaeological site and build a settlement. A total of 500,000 Israelis live illegally on Palestinian land, which is shocking for the families involved and the people being moved. They lose their homes and the effect on children is catastrophic.

On 15 May 2015, the High Court in Israel refused an application from the people of Susiya to defer the demolition until the court had heard a serious and complete application. This is very unusual for the Israelis. I point out to the Minister of State that the state of Israel in these proceedings raised no security arguments nor did it argue against the petitioners' ownership of the land. It did not use security and did not challenge the Palestinians' right to this land. What always happens in these situations is that demolition and eviction is speedily followed by the illegal occupation of the Palestinians' land by Israeli settlers. The situation is a disgrace. I have spoken at length on this issue. I am particularly glad that the plight of the village of Susiya has been raised by Senator Leyden here this morning because it is a village I know. I know the people. They are humble Bedouin farmers. They do not have any connection with politics. They just want to get on with their lives. They are there legally and have 200 years of inheritance. The Israelis are demolishing, illegally moving them and illegally moving their own settlers in. I support Senator Leyden in urging the Minister to take very strong action on this matter.