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| A picture taken on November 8, 2017 shows a general view of construction work in Gilo, a Jewish settlement in the mainly Palestinian eastern sector of Jerusalem (AFP Photo/AHMAD GHARABLI) |
Dublin (AFP) - The Irish Senate gave its support Wednesday to a draft law prohibiting the import of goods produced in occupied territories around the world, including Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law.
Israel
reacted angrily to the proposal calling it "populist, dangerous and
extremist", while a spokesman for the PLO expressed "sincere
appreciation" for the initiative.
The
proposed law was introduced by an independent senator and drew support from all
of Ireland's major political parties, except the governing Fine Gael party.
The Irish
government said the measure, unprecedented for a European Union member, was
unworkable because it would impose a trade barrier within the European Union's
single market and could harm Irish influence in the region.
Senators
voted in favour of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill
by 25 votes to 20, with applause rippling through the chamber after an
impassioned debate.
It will now
undergo further scrutiny in a senate committee, with the government set to
continue trying to block it becoming law.
"We
may have a long path ahead of us," said Senator Frances Black, the bill's
author. "But I believe... we've made the case clearly."
Calling
Israeli settlements a "war crime", she compared her proposal to early
Irish efforts to oppose apartheid in South Africa, adding Ireland "will
always stand on the side of international law, human rights and justice."
But Foreign
Minister Simon Coveney warned it risked "fanning flames" in the
Middle East.
"I
respect this house and its decision but respectfully disagree," he said.
'Palestine's St Patrick's Day'
Israeli
foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said the vote would have "a
negative impact on the diplomatic process in the Middle East".
"The
absurd in the Irish Senate's initiative is that it will harm the livelihoods of
many Palestinians who wo work in the Israeli industrial zones affected by the
boycott," he said.
"Israel
will consider its response in accordance with developments regarding the
legislation," he said.
Saeb
Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary-general, welcomed the move.
"This
courageous step builds on the historic ties between Ireland and Palestine, as
well as it shows the way forward for the rest of the European Union," he
said.
Israel has
acted angrily to such moves in the past, heavily criticising the EU after it
backed labelling products produced in its settlements in 2015.
It summoned
the Irish ambassador for clarifications over the proposed legislation when it
was first introduced in January.
Fadi Quran,
Palestinian senior campaigner at pressure group Avaaz, who was in the senate
when the bill passed, heralded July 11 "Palestine's St. Patrick Day".
"The
settlements are immoral and illegal under international law, and Ireland is the
first country to practise what the whole world preaches," he said.
"Now,
others need to follow the Irish example."
Proponents
of the measure argued Israel is profiting from its illegal settlements in the
Palestinian territories and the stalled peace process shows no signs of
yielding a resolution.
"The
status quo has failed... that is why we are seeking a change," said
Senator Colette Kelleher, who co-signed the bill.
"I'm
asking you to lead Europe," she added, addressing her comments to Coveney.
But those
opposed to the move said it could draw Ireland into trade disputes over
contested territories in places like China, Cyprus and Crimea.
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