Israeli ban bill will ‘fan flames’ of conflict in region

Tánaiste Simon Coveney says Ireland will “fan the flames” of conflict in the Middle East if Opposition senators drive through plans to ban the sale of goods from illegal Israeli settlements here.

Independent senator Frances Black compared her bill to the ban on the sale of goods from South Africa in the 1980s, when Ireland took a stand against apartheid.

Several senators, during passionate speeches, said Palestinians were now living in apartheid under Israeli rule and the “status quo” was failing them.