A bill prohibiting the importation and sale of goods and services originating in illegal Israeli settlements approved in July by the Irish Senate, was passed in its first reading, on Wednesday.

The Control of Economic Activities (occupied territories) Bill 2018, which was sponsored by Senator Frances Black, seeks to prohibit the import and sale of goods, services and natural resources originating in illegal settlements located in occupied Palestine.

According to local reports, 25 Irish senators voted in favor, while 20 opposed and 14 abstained.

However, the bill still needs to pass through another two readings before it becomes a law.

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi said, according to Ma’an: “The Irish Senate has sent a strong and important message to both the Palestinian people and to the global community that there is a price to be paid for Israel’s criminal behavior and its persistent violations of international law, international humanitarian law and human rights law.”

12/22/14 Documentary: Ireland & Palestine

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail