The “hearts of the Irish people” are with Palestinian civilians, according to Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan. 

Speaking at the Green Party Convention in Cork yesterday evening, Mr Ryan said people must “condemn the slaughter of Israeli citizens that took place two weeks ago”. 

“It was an evil act that resonated all the more because the Jewish people have for centuries had to bear their own history of expulsion, persecution, antisemitism and genocide,” he said. 

“At the same time, I think the hearts of the Irish people are also with the Palestinian people.” 

He said Irish and Arab nationalism “have shared a lot in common”. 

“In both cases boundaries were expediently drawn up, which have fatal consequences to this day,” he said. 

“With our tradition of UN peacekeeping in southern Lebanon and frontline observers in the West Bank, we see what is happening in the Middle East in a certain light. 

“We can deplore what Hamas did while at the same time understanding that there will never be peace unless the rights of the Palestinian people are also delivered upon.” 

Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan TD, and leader of the Green Party taking questions at a press confrence for the Green Party prior to their annual conference, 21/10/2023 Image: David Creedon

Mr Ryan pointed out the Irish Government was one of the first to call on Israel not to target civilians in Gaza after declaring war on Hamas. 

“The bombing of civilians is never justified and is never going to work. The oppression of the people in Gaza and the West Bank has to stop now,” he said. 

“Whatever solution is found, it has to adhere to the charter of fundamental human rights, recognising the right of both Israel and Palestine to exist.” 

'Huge sympathy'

During the week, Ireland announced an extra €13 million in funding for Palestinians, while yesterday thousands gathered at Merrion Square in Dublin for a protest calling to “end Gaza genocide” amid war in Israel. 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told Newstalk during the week he has “huge sympathy” for the Palestinian people who have been “horribly treated” for the past 75 years. 

"I think Irish people, given our own history, have a particular sympathy towards Palestinians. 

"We have to be careful about what we believe here, because this is a war. 

"Israel will not necessarily tell the truth or the whole truth and nor will Hamas."