Pro-Palestine protest in Dublin criticises US support of Israel

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A pro-Palestine demonstration in Dublin has criticised US support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and called on the Irish government to do more to help Palestinians.

Large red banners were stretched out around Barnardo Square on Dame Street to symbolise US President Joe Biden’s “non-existent red line” in relation to Rafah in southern Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been seeking refuge.

Mr Biden said in March it would be “a red line” for his administration if the Israeli military were to invade Rafah, but then added “… but I’m never going to leave Israel”.

Zoe Lawlor, of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said that after Mr Biden’s “red line” comment, Israel “proceeded to bomb the refugee camps, burning dozens of Palestinians alive, and destroyed hospitals and murdered medical staff”.

Protesters in Dublin chanted “There never was a red line” and held signs saying “No arms through Israel”, “Gaza is not just devastating, it is a crime”, and “Is there any crime by which our government will punish Israel?”

Aine Hayden, who was handing out leaflets saying “End US complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza”, said the protest was about raising awareness of US involvement.

She said: “They’re talking ceasefire while at the same time sending billions to fund the genocide.”

Amongst the passers-by on Dame Street that Ms Hayden offered leaflets to were US tourists.

“You’d love to think you could raise awareness with the Americans but you do find that they’re quite brainwashed.

“I have had many Americans calling me a terrorist supporter (at previous protests).

“Where is the humanity? Because that’s what it’s about. We cannot look at these children and babies being targeted and slaughtered every single day.”

Des, from Co Wicklow, who was at the protest with his young son, said he was there to be “on the right side of history”.

He said: “People aren’t doing enough. America isn’t doing enough, and even our own government isn’t doing enough.

“It’s just disgusting what’s going on, the amount of innocent people dying.”

Former RTE producer Betty Purcell told the PA news agency that Ireland can do more through boycotts and sanctions.

She said: “We have a Taoiseach who said he spends every single day wondering what more he can do for Palestine. It’s very simple, he can start by passing the Occupied Territories Bill, the arms embargo Bill, the Israeli divestment settlements Bill.

“If he was to do this, it would be a clear message both to the US and to Europe that Ireland really wants to do something. Not just stand around looking anguished. We’ve done that long enough.

“It will influence America.”