Photo via PBS
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Ireland has had a history of solidarity with other colonial nations, given its history as an English colony and its rebellion for independence. This is one of the many reasons that Ireland is one of the most pro-Palestine countries in the world, with 79% of Irish citizens believing that Israel is committing genocide of the Palestinian people. The Irish government was also among the first to recognize Palestine as a country and has donated large amounts to the people of Gaza. The Palestinian flag flies alongside the European Union and Ukrainian flags outside Leinster House, the residence of Ireland’s president.
So, it came as a shock to many when Ireland did not join a protest against Israel at the United Nations.
On Friday, September 27, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech addressing the United Nations General Assembly. When the leader came out on stage, scores of diplomats from Lebanon, Iran, Palestine, Turkey, and other nations left the room in protest because of Israel’s violence against Palestine and other Middle Eastern countries. Footage of the walkout shows dozens of UN delegates leaving the room as Netanyahu takes the stage.
However, the delegates for Ireland, one of Palestine’s most vocal international allies, remained present in the assembly room. This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, with the only explanation given for the situation being that “Ireland has a long-standing policy of having our seat occupied for every national statement.”
The Irish government received backlash from the public because of the delegates’ refusal to participate in the protest against Israel. The Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, also known as IPSC, took to Instagram to voice their upset, and the comments were flooded with support for Palestine and outrage for the actions of the Irish assembly members.
Moreover, Irish Parliament members have also criticized the decision not to walk out with the other pro-Palestinian delegates. A speaker for the Sinn Fein, one of the more prominent parties of Ireland, responded directly to the Foreign Affairs official: “I don’t think diplomatic norms come into play when you are watching a genocide unfold.” The leaders of other Irish political parties also vocalized their upset, reassuring the Irish commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Though there are few material consequences to the lack of Irish participation in the walkout, it speaks to a larger theme of misalignment with what the Irish people believe in.
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This article was edited by Hannorah Ragusa.
