Irish support for Palestinian rights stems partly from its own experience of colonialism and violence – but that’s not all, says Irish Times columnist Una Mullaly
As videos of Irish politicians advocating for Palestinians and criticising the Israeli government continue to go viral on social media, the question asked by those new to Ireland’s position is simple: why?
In 2010, Ireland ordered the expulsion of an Israeli diplomat from Dublin when it was revealed forged Irish passports had been used by suspects in the assassination of the Hamas official Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.
In recent years, both houses of the Irish parliament have passed a motion calling for the recognition of the state of Palestine, although this remains in legislative limbo.
This sense of kinship can express itself in daily cultural life – take the 2023 away kit of a popular Dublin football club, a partnership with a Palestinian non-profit sports organisation.
The Irish president, Michael D Higgins, who occasionally raises eyebrows for speaking out despite his independent role, was firm in his response to Israel’s actions.
Ursula von der Leyen’s strident expressions of support for Israel have jarred with Ireland – which still remains a militarily neutral country.
The original article contains 954 words, the summary contains 171 words. Saved 82%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
This is the best summary I could come up with:
As videos of Irish politicians advocating for Palestinians and criticising the Israeli government continue to go viral on social media, the question asked by those new to Ireland’s position is simple: why?
In 2010, Ireland ordered the expulsion of an Israeli diplomat from Dublin when it was revealed forged Irish passports had been used by suspects in the assassination of the Hamas official Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.
In recent years, both houses of the Irish parliament have passed a motion calling for the recognition of the state of Palestine, although this remains in legislative limbo.
This sense of kinship can express itself in daily cultural life – take the 2023 away kit of a popular Dublin football club, a partnership with a Palestinian non-profit sports organisation.
The Irish president, Michael D Higgins, who occasionally raises eyebrows for speaking out despite his independent role, was firm in his response to Israel’s actions.
Ursula von der Leyen’s strident expressions of support for Israel have jarred with Ireland – which still remains a militarily neutral country.
The original article contains 954 words, the summary contains 171 words. Saved 82%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!