By Islamudin sajid

Citizens gathered in front of the Central Bank of Ireland on Friday, rallying under the slogan “Stop funding genocide” to protest the sale of Israeli war bonds in Ireland.

The demonstration, organized by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), drew attention to what protesters described as Ireland's complicity in supporting Israeli war efforts. Protesters demanded an immediate halt to the approval and sale of these bonds across Europe, citing ethical and legal concerns.

The Context of the Protest

Israel’s war bonds have been a source of contention in Ireland and Europe. These bonds, described by critics as financial tools enabling the funding of military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, have sparked outrage among activists and human rights advocates.

In May, Ireland joined Norway and Spain in officially recognizing Palestine. Despite this progressive stance, Ireland remains the European hub for the sale of Israeli bonds. Following Brexit, the responsibility for approving these securities shifted from the UK to Ireland, with the Central Bank of Ireland acting as the designated authority for approving their prospectuses.

Protesters argue that this role conflicts with Ireland's moral obligations and its stance on international justice.

‘Unethical and Unacceptable’ Practices

At the heart of the demonstration was the claim that the approval of these bonds contradicts Ireland's commitment to human rights and international law. Many at the protest held placards denouncing the Central Bank of Ireland, accusing it of facilitating war crimes by enabling the flow of funds to Israel.

Fiona Nolan, an activist with the IPSC, emphasized the broader implications of such financial actions.
“By approving these bonds, Ireland is complicit in funding wars that devastate Palestinian lives. We can’t turn a blind eye to the role money plays in sustaining these atrocities,” Nolan stated.

Speakers at the rally highlighted the ethical dilemma posed by Ireland's involvement, questioning how the country could reconcile its recognition of Palestine with its facilitation of Israeli financial instruments.

Senator Alice Mary Higgins Speaks Out

Independent Senator Alice Mary Higgins, a prominent advocate for human rights, attended the protest and shared her strong disapproval of the Central Bank’s role.

In an interview with Anadolu, Higgins described the approval of Israeli bonds as a "serious breach of international law." She further elaborated on the historical and geopolitical implications of Ireland's decision to assume this responsibility.

“These bonds, which were previously handled in the UK, shifted to Ireland after Brexit. This is not a role Ireland should be proud of. Instead, we should refuse to be a facilitator or accomplice in the flow of money and arms that fuel ongoing violence and oppression,” said Higgins.

Higgins called on the Irish government and the Central Bank to reconsider their involvement, warning of the reputational and ethical costs of continuing such practices.

Financial and Legal Concerns

Protesters also pointed to the legal complexities surrounding Israel’s war bonds. Human rights lawyers have argued that these bonds directly support activities that violate international laws, including the targeting of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon.

Dr. Liam O’Connell, a legal expert present at the rally, commented on the international ramifications of Ireland's actions:
“By approving these bonds, Ireland is opening itself up to potential scrutiny and criticism on the global stage. We must question whether financial gain is worth the cost of human lives and our reputation as a nation committed to justice.”

Growing Public Opposition

The protest is part of a larger movement in Ireland against any form of complicity in human rights violations. Public sentiment has increasingly turned against Israel's military actions in Gaza, with many Irish citizens calling for stronger governmental action to support Palestine.

Several prominent Irish figures, including politicians, academics, and artists, have expressed solidarity with Palestine and condemned Israel's actions. The growing movement has also led to calls for broader sanctions against Israel and a reevaluation of Ireland's trade and financial ties with the country.

Ireland’s Position in Europe

As the only EU country currently handling Israeli war bonds, Ireland’s role has placed it under the spotlight. Critics argue that this position undermines Ireland’s reputation as a nation that values human rights and international law.

Sarah Connolly, a researcher on European financial policies, pointed out the contradiction:
“It’s deeply troubling that Ireland, which has taken symbolic steps like recognizing Palestine, is still facilitating financial instruments tied to Israeli war efforts. This duality is unsustainable and damages Ireland’s credibility.”

Next Steps for Activists

The IPSC and other activist groups vowed to continue their campaign until the sale of Israeli bonds is halted entirely in Ireland. They plan to escalate their efforts with more protests, petitions, and public awareness campaigns.

Meanwhile, the Irish government faces increasing pressure to address these concerns. With public opinion leaning heavily in favor of Palestine, the administration may find it challenging to justify its current stance.

A Call for Change

The protest in Dublin is a stark reminder of the intersection between finance and ethics. Activists, politicians, and citizens alike are urging the Central Bank of Ireland to reconsider its role in approving Israeli bonds, framing the issue not just as a political or financial matter, but as a moral imperative.

As Senator Higgins aptly summarized during the rally:
“Ireland has a choice to make. Do we want to be a country that stands for peace and justice, or one that profits from the suffering of others? The answer should be clear.”

The rally ended with a collective call to action, with protesters promising to continue their fight against what they see as Ireland’s complicity in war crimes. Whether this grassroots pressure will lead to policy changes remains to be seen.