Councillors unanimously voted in favour of a Sinn Féin motion which highlighted the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the illegality of the controversial West Bank settlements.

Despite being approved by a majority of TDs and Senators, the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 has been effectively blocked by the government from becoming law.

Councillor Daithí Doolan, who proposed the Dublin City Council motion, said yesterday: “Tonight’s vote is hugely significant. It sends a strong, unified message from the largest local authority on the island demanding the Irish government enact the Occupied Territories Bill.

“There is no legal or political reason this government should refuse to enact the Occupied Territories Bill. This shameful foot-dragging is totally unacceptable.

“Over the past 12 months, the Israeli genocide in Gaza has broadened and deepened. Benjamin Netanyahu has opened the gates of hell and is dragging Palestine through them. Israel must be held to account for their brutality.

“Israel blatantly breaches international law on a daily basis. It continues to receive billions of dollars in arms and political cover for their crimes against humanity from their allies in Washington, Washington and Brussels. Yet the Irish government refuses to impose any sanctions on Israel.

“This bill will finally cut all trade ties with Israeli goods and services produced in the illegal settlements of the occupied territories.

“Tonight’s unanimous vote is significant and reflects the strong and deep support there is across Ireland for the people of Palestine.

“The government can no longer ignore the issue. Taoiseach Simon Harris must ensure the Occupied Territories Bill is passed as a matter of urgency.”