The Palestine National Council Speaker Saleem Al- Za’noon praised the Irish Senate’s vote on a bill that would punish anyone who imports or assists in importation, sale of goods or services of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

 In a letter addressed to Irish Senate Speaker Dennis O’Donovan, AL Za’noon praised the brave stance expressed by the Council members in support of rights of the Palestinian people and rejection of Israeli occupation and colonization, which is contrary to international law and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.

 Speaker AL Za’noon stressed the strength of bilateral relations between Palestine and its people with the Irish government, parliament and people. Ireland was one of the first countries in the European Union to call for the establishment of the state of Palestine and all Irish governments continued their unlimited support for the Palestinian people. AL Za’noon greatly appreciated these firm stances towards the Palestinian cause, which has a special place in the conscience of the Irish people.

 Speaker AL Za’noon expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Irish senators who resisted pressure, sent a strong message and a principled rejection of the colonial occupation policy in all its forms and shapes. The rest of world parliaments, especially the European ones, should follow the footsteps of the Irish Senate, which refuses to be a partner in crimes of occupation, siding, in deeds not in words, with the Irish people’s values in defending the rights and rejecting continuation of injustice.

 AL Za’noon stressed in his letter that this advanced and courageous step of the Irish Senate reflects the conscience of the Irish people and actual translation of their constant support and firm solidarity, considering it a prelude and practical action to besiege and isolate the colonial settlement and apartheid policy in Palestine on the road to ending the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian people gaining of freedom to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.