Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am a little bit nervous because I am told that the whole of Palestine is watching us today, so Members can imagine that I am anxious. I want to ensure that I say everything I need to.

Last night, I welcomed two amazing Palestinian farmers to Dublin. Mona and Fayez travelled all the way from the West Bank to meet ordinary Irish people and groups that had been fundraising, holding public meetings and sending support. They are watching from the Gallery and I extend to them a sincere welcome on what I hope will be an historic occasion. They have been living in the shadow of Israel's illegal annexation wall since 2003, fighting against the demolition of their home and the confiscation of their land. The wall has literally cut their farm in half, and the impact it has had on their family is devastating. Sadly, their story is not unique. It is repeated endlessly across the West Bank, where over 42% of land has now been confiscated, seriously undermining the viability of a sustainable Palestinian state.

Though these settlements are repeatedly condemned as illegal by the EU, UN and Irish Government, they continue to extract valuable natural resources and agricultural produce. These goods are then exported and sold on shelves around the world, including in Ireland, to pay for the occupation. There is a clear hypocrisy here. How can we condemn the settlements as illegal, as theft of land and resources, but then happily buy the proceeds of that crime? We must be clear on this - Israeli settlements in the West Bank are war crimes. That is what we are dealing with, and I am amazed at how relaxed people can be about it, as if trading in the proceeds of war crimes is not a big deal. For a country that prides itself on upholding humanitarian principles and international law, this is unacceptable. It is time we stood clearly against this injustice.

I have had long conversations with the Tánaiste on this matter. I know his passion and commitment, I respect him so much and I recognise the great work he is doing, but I fundamentally disagree that the current policy is working. For 25 years, Ireland and the EU have issued statement after statement of condemnation, but settlement expansion has continued and more homes have been demolished. It is getting to the point now where there will soon be no Palestine left to recognise. As long as the settlements stay profitable and we buy their stolen goods, nothing will change.