Settlements, built on Palestinian (often privately owned) lands, impinge on Palestinian human rightsAccording to Israeli human rights NGO B’Tselem, more than 200 Israeli settlements have been established in the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) since 1967; their current population is almost 620,000. Settlements, built on Palestinian (often privately owned) lands, impinge on Palestinian human rights as checkpoints that limit Palestinian movement are erected based on where there are settlements. Illegal settlementsIn relation to solidarity with Palestine, then, Irish society is not out of step with European civil societies. It continues the long line of Irish solidarity with oppressed peoples. The advancement of the Occupied Territories Bill reflects the huge solidarity with Palestine in Irish society which is largely committed, unlike the Government, to achieving justice for Palestinians.

Source: The Irish Times February 04, 2019 04:52 UTC