Protest outside ambassador's house over US veto of Gaza ceasefire resolution

James Cox

A number of pro-Palestinian protesters were forcibly dragged away from the gates of the US ambassador’s residence in Dublin during a protest against the country’s support of Israel.

More than 100 people gathered to protest against the decision by the United States last week to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

Aseal Marabeh (right) attends a pro-Palestinian protest at the US ambassador's residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photo: PA Images

Gardaí are monitoring the situation, including members mounted on horses. Gardaí also prevented public access to a nearby car park.

At least two protesters were dragged by gardaí away from the closed gates of the residence, which was hosting a Christmas dinner for Irish politicians.

They, along with a Palestinian flag which had been dropped, were returned to the main group of demonstrators behind the Garda barriers.

Some demonstrators sat on the roadway as others chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, “United States you can’t hide, you’re committing genocide”, “Biden out”, “ceasefire now” and “free, free Palestine”.

Gardaí removed a protester who was attempting to block the entrance to the US ambassador's residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin, during a pro-Palestinian protest. Photo: PA Images

The demonstration was organised by People Before Profit TDs, who themselves are boycotting a holiday reception for Oireachtas members in the Ambassador's residence this evening.

People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith, who said she was invited to the event in the residency, said protesters were “very angry” with a US veto of a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian groups take part in a protest at the US ambassador's residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photo: PA Images

Speaking to the PA news agency, she said: “So directly and indirectly they are responsible for all the children on whom bombs are falling, injuring them, the hospitals that are being lost, the schools being lost, the lives are being lost, the destruction, the trauma and the dreadful, unspeakable acts that are happening.”

Ms Smith said the protest was to call on Irish politicians to boycott the event and to send a message to the ambassador that the US’ “behaviour is unacceptable”.

The US Embassy in Dublin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. - Additional reporting from Press Association