Ireland Cabinet Backs Trade Ban on Israeli West Bank Settlements

Ireland's cabinet has formally backed the drafting of legislation to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, a move described by Prime Minister Micheal Martin as symbolic following Ireland's recognition of a Palestinian state last year. The bill would prohibit the import of goods from these settlements but likely exclude services, and it is expected to proceed through parliamentary committees and votes later this year. Foreign Minister Simon Harris emphasized the importance of global pressure to bring about a ceasefire amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, expressing hope that other countries would adopt similar measures. This initiative follows recent actions by Britain to pause free trade talks with Israel and impose sanctions on West Bank settlers, as well as an EU review of its ties with Israel, which Ireland and Spain had proposed. The Irish government cited a July advisory opinion by the United Nations' highest court deeming Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal as justification for advancing the bill, despite previous EU trade policy constraints. Overall, Ireland’s move represents a growing international effort to exert pressure on Israel concerning the occupation and humanitarian crisis in the regions.