Ireland’s cabinet gave its formal support on Tuesday to draft legislation aimed at banning the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. While actual trade volumes between Ireland and the settlements remain minimal, officials described the proposed measure as an important political gesture following Ireland’s official recognition of a Palestinian state last year.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the step was “symbolic”, underscoring Ireland’s ongoing commitment to Palestinian rights. The legislation, once enacted, would bar the import of goods originating from illegal settlements, but is unlikely to apply to services, according to Foreign Minister Simon Harris.

Harris previously stated in a post on X that the Irish government will pursue a formal decision on the legislation on Tuesday and expressed hope that the Committee on Foreign Affairs would start examining the bill in June.

Harris denounced the deliberate starvation of children and the weaponization of food during the ongoing Israeli blockade, which has blocked the entry of thousands of aid trucks into Gaza, including those funded by Irish Aid for more than 6,000 Palestinians, for over 80 days.

An update on Gaza and my plans to bring forward legislation on the occupied territories, the need for aid, including Irish funded aid to immediately enter Gaza and the need for the European Union to suspend the association agreement between the EU and Israel. pic.twitter.com/sFe8opp2Ns

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 24, 2025

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In detail

The proposed legislation will move to a parliamentary committee for detailed review in the coming weeks. Following committee scrutiny, a final bill will undergo further examination before being voted on by both the lower and upper houses of parliament. The process is expected to conclude later this year.

“In many ways, this is a small measure,” Harris stated, “but it is imperative on all countries to do all that we can to maximize the pressure and conditions to bring about a ceasefire.” He expressed hope that other European nations

Ireland’s action follows its recognition of a Palestinian state in 2024, positioning it among a small group of European countries taking concrete steps in support of Palestinian sovereignty.

The move also comes in the wake of recent developments in Britain, where authorities paused free trade negotiations with "Israel" and announced new sanctions against settlers in the occupied West Bank.

As the bill progresses through Ireland’s legislative system, it will likely serve as a model for broader efforts within the European Union to confront settlement activity and support a just resolution to the Palestinian cause.

Read more: Ireland’s deputy premier accuses Israeli government of genocidal acts