Ireland is failing its responsibilities to uphold international law by refusing to progress the Occupied Territories Bill, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“On Tuesday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that new measures to expand the country’s control of the occupied West Bank in Palestine amounts to ‘de facto sovereignty’ of the region.
“These measures enable even further forceful removal of land from Palestinians, in clear contravention of international law.
“Yesterday, It was also announced that Israel will begin to execute Palestinians for crimes which they will imprison Israelis for – it is unconscionable that our government refuses to take action when such grave violations of human rights are taking place.
“Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee started the week by admitting that there is no timeline for the implementation of the Occupied Territories Bill, a statement which is at odds with what was agreed on by the Foreign Affairs Committee.
“The coalition parties received a mandate from the Irish people in the election when they promised to pass this legislation – the OTB has become just another promise that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have regened upon.
“Passing this bill is the bare minimum to meet our obligations under the International Court of Justice’s ruling – the actions of the US, Israel’s strongest ally, in Venezuela, its threats towards Greenland and its treatment of those in ICE detention reflect a willingness to break international law whenever it suits its interests.
“Ireland relies on international law – why doesn’t the government push for it to be upheld by passing this legislation?
“Israel continues to murder with impunity while European leaders talk about the progress of the Gaza peace agreement – there is no peace in Palestine.
“Minister McEntee and the government must pass the Occupied Territories Bill and take credible action to address Israel’s crimes – we must fight to uphold international law with actions, not just words.”
February 11th, 2026