Passing Occupied Territories Bill 'will not change Israel's behaviour' – Taoiseach 

But Micheál Martin tells the Dáil the bill will be progressed and adds: 'I strongly condemn what the Israeli government has done, and condemn the action of the Israeli military forces'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaks to the media as he arrives for Tuesday's Cabinet meeting at Government Buildings. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA 

Passing the Occupied Territories Bill will not change Israel's behaviour against Palestinians or those taking part in a flotilla to Gaza, the Taoiseach has said.

Micheál Martin has again been called on to urgently act on the bill that would ban trade with settlements illegally established in occupied territories, following the detention of Irish citizens who were taking part in a humanitarian flotilla destined for Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying aid, said 10 boats in a 60-vessel flotilla were intercepted in international waters and boarded by Israeli forces shortly after 9am on Monday, and all boats had been detained by 4.30pm on Tuesday.

President's sister among those detained

The sister of President Catherine Connolly, Dr Margaret Connolly, is among 14 Irish citizens aboard the aid flotilla who have been detained by Israel.

Mr Martin said officials are engaging with Israeli authorities on the release of the Irish citizens, who he said have been "wrongfully detained". The Taoiseach told the Dáil: 

It's unacceptable behaviour, and let's be clear, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is equally unacceptable. 

"I strongly condemn what the Israeli government has done, and condemn the action of the Israeli military forces, as I have done previously, and as we did very early on." 

Detailing several actions taken by the Government, includingthe recognition of the Palestinian State, he asked: "Has it impacted Israeli behaviour? Let's be honest, it hasn't.

"I appreciate what those on the flotilla are doing, and if we passed the Occupied Territories Bill in the morning, there would still be a flotilla, and I understand why there would be."

Minister to progress Occupied Territories Bill

However, he added that the foreign affairs minister will progress the bill.

He was responding to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, who told the Dáil that Israel "holds the power" as "they know there are no consequences for their actions".

She said she had been in contact with the sister of Clonakilty man, Tom Deasy, who is among those "kidnapped" and "illegally detained" by Israeli forces.

"Ciara told me how worried sick she is, but more than that, how proud she is of her brother. She said to me, I quote, "the people on the flotilla have been shouting for Palestine for a long time now. Now it's time to shout for them in order to get people in power to act".

Ms Cairns added: "Taoiseach. You are one of those people. You have the power to stop munitions going through the air, you have the power to enact the Occupied Territories Bill." She said: 

Words of condemnation are welcome, but what I'm asking about is action.

"Action on the Occupied Territories Bill, on the divestment bill, there are so many actions that this government could take."

Calling on members of the Government to support a sanctions bill being voted on Wednesday, People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Richard Boyd Barrett asked how far Israel must go before action is taken.

Mr Martin said the coalition is pressing to have the Israel trade association agreement suspended.

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said her department has been in direct contact with the families of those affected and with the flotilla organisers, and stands ready to provide all necessary consular assistance.

• Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor