Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Israel enforces a system of oppression and domination against the Palestinian people wherever it has control over their rights. This includes Palestinians living in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories as well as displaced refugees in other countries. Massive seizures of Palestinian land and property, unlawful killings, forcible transfers, drastic movement restrictions and the denial of nationality and citizenship to Palestinians are all components of a system that amounts to apartheid under international law.

Last year, Amnesty International called on the UN to impose targeted sanctions against Israel after joining other human rights groups in accusing it of breaching international law. While pressing for action against Russia, however, the US and other governments have resisted similar measures against Israel. For some reason, Israel seems to be untouchable when it comes to international sanctions for crimes that are treated very harshly when another country commits them.

The US is not alone in facing accusations of hypocrisy. The UK and Canada led calls for the International Criminal Court, ICC, to investigate Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Two years ago, the two countries said the ICC should drop an investigation of Israel in part on the grounds that Palestine is not a sovereign country, although it is recognised as a state by the UN.

This hypocrisy must stop. This special treatment of the state of Israel has worn very thin indeed. It now must begin to comply with international law or face action. I look forward to further action being taken by this Government as Ireland seeks to use her voice on the international stage to sue for greater equality and justice in the Middle East.