The government of Ireland supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, where each state lives in peace. It firmly opposes the Israeli government’s settlement policy since it believes it is illegal under international law, and it condemns all terrorism and hostage-taking by Hamas. Being mindful of Palestinian independence in government and on the land, Ireland calls for a sudden stop to the conflict in Gaza and demands the release of everyone held captive.
Ireland has clearly shown its opposition to more Israeli settlements in the Palestinian lands by introducing laws to prevent Irish imports from those areas. It backs peace and justice in the region with diplomatic efforts such as its work at the UN and its membership in the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution.
What actions has Ireland taken to promote Palestinian self-determination?
Ireland has made several important choices to support the right of Palestinians to choose their path.
1. Recognition from other countries of a Palestinian state
In May 2024, Ireland recognized the State of Palestine and restated the Palestinian people’s need for independence and peaceful rule. The recognition was seen by Palestinian leaders as a sign that the world supports their goal of independence.
2. Methods to stop the development of Israeli settlements
Ireland has driven for legislation such as the Occupied Areas Bill to prevent trade between Israelis in the occupied Palestinian areas and the rest of the world. The Irish government believes Israel’s settlement policy to be illegal according to international rules and uses economic pressure in the hopes it will persuade Israel.
3. Support for holding countries responsible for breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL)
The Irish government has supported efforts to hold Israel responsible for war crimes and rights abuses against people in the occupied territories by sending the issues to the ICC. Helping inquiries and trials that fight for Palestinian rights under international law are also included in the role. The UNRWA in Gaza, the West Bank, and other nations receive emergency aid, health care, and education for Palestinian refugees, due to funding from Ireland.
4. Turning out members of the population
Support for Palestinian political, civil, and human rights is shown through campaigns such as the one by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Irish civil groups often set up advocacy drives, perform cultural activities, and join protests to persuade the government to support Palestine.
5. Statements made in politics and evidence found from the past
Ireland was the first of the EU countries to back an independent Palestinian country and has regarded the PLO as the true representative of Palestinians since the 1970s. Many Irish officials have supported the right of the Palestinian people to rule themselves while praising their leaders in public.
6. UN resolutions and diplomatic advocacy
Ireland keeps backing resolutions by the UN Assembly that urge countries to stop fighting, respect truces to help people in need and respect the rights of Palestinians. It actively calls for Palestinian self-government and a two-state solution at world meetings.
What difference does the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign make in policy decisions?
Because they gather people’s support and lobby the government, the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign helps make progress in protecting Palestinian rights in Ireland. The Irish government and EU IPSC call for support for Palestinian independence and for laws that challenge Israeli actions against international law, while also engaging with lawmakers. That’s why organizations are urging the government to introduce bills that ban trading with Israeli settlement areas in the West Bank and elsewhere.
1. Making public awareness through campaigning
Educating the Irish population about Palestinian suffering throughout history currently helps the Irish become aware of the ongoing violation of human rights in the area. Thanks to these campaigns, pressure builds from people to change political policies.
2. Advocacy for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS)
To encourage Israel to obey international law and support Palestinian rights, IPSC supports an effective BDS campaign that uses the example of apartheid in South Africa.
3. Organizing events that highlight cultural topics
To support unity and raise awareness, the campaign runs cultural events, organizes talks by Israeli and Palestinian guests, and supports fundraisers.
How much do Irish marches and protests affect government decisions on Palestine?
Irish marches have a major effect on what people think about Palestine and on the decisions of the government, due to the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC).
1. Changes caused by growing political attention and public education
Many protests in Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland, involving thousands, regularly keep the Palestinian issue important in Irish politics. Because these incidents prompt news coverage and lead to talking points, more people are brought together in support of Palestine, and leaders are pushed to do something.
2. Direct appeals to the government
Demonstrators regularly gather outside the Irish Parliament, Leinster House, where they deliver speeches and petitions calling for specific government measures. Enforcing sanctions against Israel, prohibiting imports from Israeli settlements, and stopping the movement of weapons to Israel via Irish airspace are included in it. These protests act as a direct line of communication with legislators, pressing for changes to laws and policies.
3. Impacting legislative agendas
Prolonged public pressure from several nationwide protests has kept legislation like the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill and the Occupied Territories Bill on the political agenda. Protests, according to campaigners, are crucial to sustaining momentum and accountability, even when the government has slowed or stopped the advancement of these laws.
4. Mobilizing broad coalitions
Calls for government action are amplified when protests bring together political parties, civil society organizations, trade unions, and regular citizens. The political force behind calls for Palestinian rights and sanctions against Israel is increased by this coalition development.
5. Inconsistencies between Ireland’s strong pro-Palestinian
Popular opinion and government actions, such as allowing US arms transfers across Irish airspace and the Central Bank’s support of Israel’s bond sales, are highlighted by demonstrations.
How does Iresh support Israel?
Because of worries over Israel’s alleged violations of UN resolutions, Ireland postponed formally recognizing Israel until 1963. Ireland’s cautious attitude was shown in the establishment of diplomatic relations only in 1975. Many times, Ireland has stated its opposition to Israeli actions, including building settlements and carrying out military activities, that block attempts to achieve peace.
Since the 1980s, Ireland has been the only EU member country to back an independent and at peace Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. The Israeli occupation’s human rights issues, such as land theft, evictions, and restricted Palestinians, are always brought to the attention of the Irish government.
There is still diplomatic contact between Ireland and Israel, even though Israel recently shut down its embassy in Dublin, saying it was due to changes in Irish government policies. Official meetings, as well as collaborations in research, technology, and agriculture, are part of the practical bilateral relationship. Ireland supports Israel’s right to security and strongly condemns actions by groups like Hamas. Yet during tensions, it also requires carefulness, access to humanitarian aid, and quick stops to fighting. The Israeli ambassador has been withdrawn and the embassy in Dublin has been shut in response to Ireland moving to recognize Palestine and saying harsh things about Israel.
End up
Ireland’s politicians and many of its citizens demonstrate strong support for Palestinians because of the connections drawn to Irish history. As a result, Ireland’s foreign policy is often stricter with Israel than those of most other Western countries. The League’s policies avoid either severely criticizing Israel’s occupation and settlement or choosing complete cooperation.
