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Today the court is clear. Israel's occupation is a breach of international law and Ireland must ensure that all national and international trade agreements are reviewed in that light.
- 2 min read
- Published: 19th July 2024
We must review our trade relationship with illegal Israeli settlements in light of ICJ ruling
Reacting to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel's Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, Bríd McGrath, Oxfam Ireland’s Director of Public Affairs, said;
"Ireland, via our Attorney General, was clear that resolution of this issue involved a two-state solution and the fact that the Israeli occupation breached international law meant we have obligations to review our trade relationships with the settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
"Today the court is clear. Israel's occupation is a breach of international law and Ireland must ensure that all national and international trade agreements are reviewed in that light.
"Ireland now must be certain that we are not complicit in illegal activities via our trade and investment. By ourselves and through the EU we need now to divest from all trade relationships that legitimise this illegal occupation.
“The Palestinians have suffered enough under this longstanding occupation. It is our duty to stand with them and to stand up for the rule of law,"— Bríd McGrath, Oxfam Ireland’s Director of Public Affairs
Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam’s Regional Director for the Middle East said:
“This is an historic judgement that lays bare Israel’s criminal actions that have denied rights, marginalised and subjugated Palestinians for decades. Every aspect of the occupation is illegal – settlements and settlers, the denial of water, and the use of Palestinian natural resources. The ICJ leaves absolutely no doubt that Israel has illegally annexed large parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem and Palestinians are due reparations for all harms committed since 1967.
"The Court confirmed that Israel is committing the crime of apartheid in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which is one of the most serious international crimes.
“There must now be an end to the occupation, the dismantling of settlements, and complete self-determination for Palestinians. The international community cannot continue to ignore legal rulings regarding Israel’s illegal policies and inhumane practices. The UN Security Council must act now and finally put an end to the impunity that Israel has enjoyed for decades.”— Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam’s Regional Director for the Middle East
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For more information and to arrange interviews, contact:
Clare Cronin, Head of Communications – Oxfam Ireland
clare.cronin@oxfam.org
+353 87 1952551
Kate Brayden, Media Officer
kate.brayden@oxfam.org, +353 87 749 7447