Occupied Territories Bill complex and hard to enforce, Helen McEntee warns

Foreign minister says legal complexity, international opposition and Gaza ceasefire must be weighed before progressing Occupied Territories legislation

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said her main focus at present was ensuring there was a move into the second phase of the Gaza peace plan.

The Government must be “conscious” of actions it takes around the Occupied Territories Bill given the fragility of the ceasefire in Gaza, the foreign minister has said.

Helen McEntee confirmed she had received updated advice from the Attorney General over the legislation, and whether it was possible to include services in the import ban from the occupied Palestinian territories.