DUBLIN, June 27, 2025 (WAFA) – The Irish government has approved a draft bill banning the import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland), Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Minister for Defense, Simon Harris, said the proposed legislation, which received Cabinet approval, will now be referred to the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee for review before proceeding to final approval.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the measure aligns with the 2024 International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which declared Israel’s presence in those territories illegal and called on states to refrain from supporting the situation through trade or investment.

Under the proposed law, Irish customs authorities will be granted broad powers to inspect and confiscate goods if their origin is traced to Israeli settlements.

Minister Harris expressed hope that this step would inspire other countries to adopt similar measures.

It is worth noting that in 2018, the Irish Senate approved a bill banning the import of products originating from Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian land.

T.R.