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Growing support for a two-state solution to Middle East conflict must go beyond mere symbolism

Growing recognition of Palestinian statehood by the international community, while welcome, must be matched with punitive sanctions to force Israel to end its genocidal campaign in Gaza, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Following yesterday’s declarations by the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal, today’s session of the UN General […]

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Ireland must push for full suspension of EU-Israel Association Agreement

EU member states must be persuaded to back European Commission proposals to partially suspend the bloc’s trade agreement with Israel and impose sanctions on violent settlers and extremist ministers, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “After almost two years of genocide in Gaza, it is incredible that the EU […]

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Proposed EU sanctions on Israel do not go far enough

The European Commission President’s proposed sanctions on Israel, while a belated step in the right direction, fall well short of what’s required to stop the genocide in Gaza, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “We are now almost two years into this devastating conflict, which has left more than […]

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Credibility of international community at stake as UN General Assembly gets underway

Decisions made in relation to Gaza and Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly over the next few weeks will serve as a marker of the international community’s credibility and humanity, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “With the Trump administration’s refusal to grant visas to the Palestinian delegation […]

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Government must act on Foreign Affairs Committee’s report and include services in Occupied Territories Bill

The government must enact the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB) without delay following today’s finding by the Foreign Affairs Committee that there is no legal impediment to including services, as well as goods, in the legislation, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The committee’s report, published today, clearly demonstrates that […]

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EU’s anti-fraud watchdog must investigate government’s failure to inspect Shannon flights

Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson has called on the EU’s anti-fraud watchdog to launch an investigation into the Irish government’s failure to inspect flights into Shannon that may be facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza. Senator Stephenson, who is the party’s spokesperson on foreign affairs, said: “There is credible evidence that military contractors and private […]

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EU must impose sanctions on Israeli government ministers

In the wake of the UK sanctioning two Israeli government ministers for inciting violence and violating human rights in Gaza, the EU must do the same, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The EU response to the genocide in Gaza has been shameful. It has failed to suspend the […]

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Senator Patricia Stephenson condemns arrest of ‘Madleen’ crew by Israel

The interception of the ‘Madleen’ charity vessel and arrest of its crew by Israeli forces represents another egregious breach of international law, according to Senator Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson, who is the Social Democrats’ spokesperson on foreign affairs, said: “I would like to commend the bravery and determination of the 12 peace activists who took […]

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