Protection for workers who refuse to handle goods from illegal Israeli settlements

Trade unions have called for workers to be supported in taking action locally against Israeli produced goods

Duncan Smith: 'Trade unions have rightly called for workers to be supported in taking action locally against Israeli produced goods.' File picture: Gareth Chaney / Collins Photos

Workers who refuse to handle goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements are to be protected under a bill being brought forward by the Labour party.

Dublin Fingal TD Duncan Smith has said that no worker should be penalised for acts of solidarity with Palestine such as refusing to handle items that are made from illegal settlements in occupied territories.

He said: “Everyone in Ireland is horrified at the daily updates from Gaza as Israel continues to wage its unjust war on the people of Palestine.

“Trade unions have rightly called for workers to be supported in taking action locally against Israeli produced goods. 

“That’s why I have drafted a bill to offer protections to any worker who is penalised as a result of their show of solidarity with the people of Gaza.

“Any worker who is opposed to handling any Israeli goods must be protected in law," Mr Smith said.

This affirmative, conscientious action cannot incur any penalty to workers who want to stand up against the terror they are seeing on the news every night.

Meanwhile the Government is due to discuss further legal advice from the Attorney General on the Occupied Territories Bill in light of the International Court of Justice advisory opinion.

It is understood that the fresh advice could provide a way forward to press ahead with an amended version of the Bill that would ban any goods or services produced, even partially, in the Israeli-occupied territories.

Taoiseach Simon Harris had sought legal advice on the bill in light of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that Israel's occupation of the Gaza strip and the West Bank is unlawful.

The Government had long maintained that there was nothing it could do to ban trade with Israel — citing the established rules of the EU that the bloc was the primary arbiter on international trade.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting which will examine the latest advice, Mr Harris said he remains deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation, especially in Northern Gaza, and by reports that access for medical NGOs is being restricted.

Reprehensible attacks on hospitals in Gaza

"Reports of attacks on more hospitals in Gaza, where staff are caring for the sick is utterly reprehensible.

"The world needs to do more to bring about a ceasefire," Mr Harris said. "We can’t continue to watch the horror unfold. Israel needs to start listening and stop their war on Gaza."

Calling on the Government to act, Mr Smith said implementing the Occupied Territories Bill is more urgent than ever.

"Like during apartheid in South Africa, we need to pull all international levers possible to bring an end to the situation in the Middle East.

“We have watched closely with great distress the tragic events ongoing in Israel and Palestine," Mr Smith said. 

"The Irish people have been steadfast in their support for the Palestinian people. The law must be on their side too.

“This Government is busy looking for excuses to block the introduction of the Occupied Territories Bill. 

"While we await the updated advice from the Attorney General, I am urging Government to pass Labour’s Bill to support workers’ actions immediately.”