RAMALLAH, West Bank — In a first-of-its-kind move in Europe, the Irish Senate has passed a bill designed to block imports of goods made in Israeli settlements located in the Palestinian territories. Though the bill has a long way to go before it can reach the president's desk, Palestinians say they will use this success as a springboard to campaign in other countries.

The Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 doesn't specifically mention Israeli settlements, but it refers to “occupied territories” as defined in international law and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. For example, UN Resolution 242 calls on Israel to withdraw from lands it occupied in 1967. Some observers think the Irish bill is worded carefully to minimize Israeli pressure.

The bill, which was submitted by Sen. Frances Black and passed July 11 by a 25-20 vote, will have to overcome a series of parliamentary proceedings and legal consultations before it is put to a vote in the full Irish parliament.

In January, the draft law was tabled when Dublin asked lawmakers to soften the language. Black kicked off a campaign in support of the bill, backed by a number of Palestinian civil society organizations and several Irish organizations working in solidarity with the Palestinians. The Senate finally approved the bill after advocates secured the support of the powerful Fianna Fail party.