Qatar welcomes Ireland’s ban on Israeli settlement imports

Qatar welcomed Ireland’s new law banning imports from Israeli settlements, urging other countries to adopt similar measures and press Israel to halt settlement expansion.Qatar has welcomed Ireland’s decision to ban the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, describing the legislation as a significant step towards countering settlement expansion.In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the measure supports efforts to deter settlement policies, which it described as a flagrant violation of international legitimacy, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and an infringement on the rights of the Palestinian people.The legislation entered into force after Irish President Catherine Connolly signed the bill into law on 23 July, following its approval by the lower house of parliament on 7 July and the Senate on 15 July.The law prohibits the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements, making Ireland one of the first European countries to enact such a ban through national legislation rather than relying solely on labelling requirements or trade guidance.It is based on the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion, which found Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory to be unlawful and called on states not to recognise or assist in maintaining the situation. The court also urged states to avoid supporting economic or other activities linked to illegal settlement activity.The Irish government has said the legislation is consistent with its obligations under international law and reflects concerns over the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.In welcoming the move, Qatar expressed hope that other countries would adopt similar measures and stressed the need for the international community to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities in compelling Israel to halt settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories.The ministry also reaffirmed Qatar’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions and the two-state solution.