Introduction to the Issue
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the Palestinian people facing forced starvation, displacement, and daily bombardment. The recent events have led to the displacement of 800,000 people from northern Gaza, and the relentless murder of children and adults. This has sparked a call to action, with many urging the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) to stop funding genocide by not renewing the State of Israel Bond Issuance programme on September 2nd.
The Impact of Israeli Bonds
Israeli bonds fund the genocide in Gaza, the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, and the apartheid regime in Israel. Enabling their sale in the EU is morally reprehensible and in violation of international law. The bonds are used to support the Israeli government’s actions, which have been widely condemned by the international community. By investing in these bonds, the CBI is inadvertently supporting the oppression of the Palestinian people.
International Law and the CBI’s Responsibility
The recent report on Israeli bonds from the Joint Oireachtas Finance Committee affirmed that the CBI, as an organ of the State, must comply with international law. The report recommended that the CBI discharge its due diligence, including appropriate consideration of national and international law. This means that the CBI has a responsibility to ensure that its actions are in line with international law and do not contribute to human rights violations.
The Government’s Role in Preventing Genocide
The Government has a responsibility to ensure that Ireland is not complicit in genocide. According to the International Court of Justice, a state is complicit if its organs were aware that genocide was about to be committed or was under way, and if the aid and assistance supplied to the perpetrators of the criminal acts enabled or facilitated the commission of the acts. The Irish Government must direct the CBI not to renew approval of Israeli bonds, which fund genocide and human rights violations.
Calls to Action
Many organizations and individuals are calling on the CBI not to renew approval for Israeli genocide-funding bonds. The Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and other organizations have signed a letter urging the CBI to take action. The letter states that the CBI has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that its actions do not contribute to human rights violations.
Conclusion
The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention and action. The CBI’s decision to renew or not renew the State of Israel Bond Issuance programme will have significant consequences for the Palestinian people. By not renewing the programme, the CBI can help prevent further human rights violations and genocide. It is imperative that the Irish Government and the CBI take a stand against oppression and ensure that Ireland is not complicit in genocide. The people of Ireland and the international community are watching, and it is time for action. The signatories, including Zoe Lawlor, Owen Reidy, John Boyle, Martin Walsh, Éamon Meehan, and Dr. David Landy, among others, are committed to raising awareness about this issue and advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people.
