Cabinet considers ban on goods from occupied territories

Ireland is set to introduce legislation prohibiting the import of goods originating from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee will present the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill to the Cabinet, with the aim of enacting it before the summer recess in July.

McEntee will argue that Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank demonstrate no intention of reaching a peaceful resolution or ending the illegal occupation. Ireland has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The proposed legislation makes the importation of settlement goods an offense under the Customs Act 2015.

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it is clear from the actions of Israel's government, both in Gaza and the West Bank, that it has no intention of reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict or ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

This move aligns with a 2024 International Court of Justice opinion that urged states to take steps against trade that aids the illegal situation created by Israel. While Ireland still desires collective European Union action, it is proceeding with its own national measures. The government believes this stance is consistent with international law and Ireland's long-standing position on the conflict.

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It urged states to take steps to prevent trade that assists in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories.