Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Rather, they must confront them. Ireland and all of us must insist on that point. Today, along with Spain and Norway, we are taking a lead, but recognition of the Palestinian state cannot be the end. It has to be just a beginning, a new departure in pursuing freedom and justice for the Palestinians. The Irish Government must now follow recognition by enacting the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 - Senator Frances Black has joined us in the Chamber - and the Illegal Israeli Settlement Divestment Bill 2023, brought forward by my colleague, Deputy Brady. Ireland must also take the lead in the European Union by pushing for sanctions against Israel and in holding Israel to account by joining the International Court of Justice, ICJ, genocide case. Israel, for now, turns its face not only against peace but against the rule of international law and, therefore, a movement against apartheid in Palestine, with the same momentum and drive as the movement against South African apartheid, is essential.

It is vital to secure the enforcement of international law. We need, of course, an immediate ceasefire. We need the return of all hostages and the renewal of a peace process grounded in international law. This is the only way the children of Palestine and Israel can have the future of peace they deserve.

Young people in particular have stepped forward, standing for the cause of Palestinian freedom. They have marched in cities and towns throughout Ireland and the world, calling for an end to the slaughter and an immediate ceasefire. On college campuses throughout the world, they have stood together against Israeli war crimes. World leaders must now listen to the voices of the young because this generation is right.

Our recognition of the Palestinian state is an important moment but the real power of today will only be defined by what happens next. This must be Ireland’s first step in pushing for an end to Israeli occupation and apartheid, and an end to its human rights violations, because Palestinians wake up every day not knowing if it will be their last. Palestinians wake up every day to teach the rest of the world life. They cry out for freedom, justice and human dignity. They cry out for life and Ireland and the world must see that they have it.

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