Thousands Demand Sanctions on Israel at Dublin Pro-Palestinian Rally

Thousands gathered in Dublin on October 14, 2023, for a pro-Palestinian rally organized by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). Participants called on the Irish Government to impose sanctions on Israel, marking what they described as “two years of genocide in Gaza.” This event was the 17th such demonstration held in the past two years, reflecting a growing movement in the Irish capital.

The march commenced at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square and concluded at Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Parliament, where a series of speeches were planned. The rally took place shortly after a weather warning related to Storm Amy had lapsed, allowing attendees to gather without disruption. Organizers included various left-wing political groups and trade unions, who displayed banners and Palestinian flags throughout the event.

The protest followed the recent detention of 16 Irish citizens among hundreds apprehended by Israeli authorities when the global sumud flotilla, which was attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, was intercepted. Ahead of the rally, Zoe Lawlor, chairwoman of the IPSC, highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting a blockade on food and aid that has persisted for months. Local health officials report approximately 66,000 deaths in the enclave.

Lawlor criticized the response of the Irish Government, specifically targeting Simon Harris, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs. She expressed outrage over ongoing violence, stating, “Between 50 and 100 people are still being killed every day – and more than 100 more Palestinians were murdered over the past 24 hours.” Lawlor condemned the Israeli interception of the flotilla and the detention of activists, asserting that “Western powers have responded by continuing to send arms and technology to murder Palestinians.”

The IPSC is advocating for the enactment of an Occupied Territories Bill, which would prohibit trade and services with illegal Israeli settlements. This call for legislative action adds to the pressure on the Irish Government to reassess its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a related development, as the GAA held a special congress at Croke Park, approximately 50 protesters gathered outside, urging the organization to sever its long-standing sponsorship arrangement with Allianz. Activist groups, including Dubs for Palestine and Gaels against Genocide in Gaza, have raised concerns regarding Allianz’s connections to companies allegedly facilitating Israel’s military actions in Gaza. They expressed disappointment over the lack of a response from the GAA regarding their concerns and criticized the fact that the issue was not included in the congress agenda.

The protesters accused the GAA of commodifying Irish culture and heritage, pointing to the recent hosting of an NFL game at Croke Park as an example. Both Allianz and the GAA have been contacted for comments regarding these allegations.

This rally not only illustrates the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also highlights the growing activism within Ireland, as demonstrators continue to advocate for Palestinian rights and call for governmental action. As events unfold, the impact of these protests on Irish policy remains to be seen.