Thousands of people gathered in Dublin for a pro-Palestine protest, urging an immediate Gaza ceasefire and calling on the government to impose sanctions on Israel.
Organized by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), the “National Demonstration for Palestine” marched from the Garden of Remembrance to the Department of Foreign Affairs, with a rally at St Stephen’s Green.
This marks the 13th protest against the Israeli offensive in Gaza since October 14, following attacks by Hamas. The IPSC demands an end to what they term “Israel’s genocidal war” and calls for government sanctions. The march aligns with International Court of Justice hearings on South Africa’s genocide filing against Israel.
Chants of “free, free Palestine” and “ceasefire now” echoed during the demonstration, supported by around 70 civil society organizations.
Political parties, trade unions, students, and community groups nationwide joined the protest. Similar demonstrations occurred in Cork, Ennis, Longford, Killorglin, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Derry.
In London, thousands marched to Parliament Square in solidarity with Palestine. Demonstrators gathered on Queen Victoria Street and proceeded along Fleet Street.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald addressed the crowd, expressing optimism about Palestinian freedom. She emphasized the possibility of peace, drawing parallels with the Irish peace process.
The protest coincided with RAF and US airstrikes against Houthi bases in Yemen, responding to attacks on Red Sea shipping following Israel’s actions against Hamas on October 7.
