Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told US President Joe Biden Ireland’s history is “reflected” in Israel’s at his Shamrock Ceremony address. 

Speaking at the dinner in the White House yesterday, Mr Varadkar said Ireland “stands ready to recognise a Palestinian state with like-minded partners when it is most helpful for peace”. 

“Mr President, we also see Israel’s history reflected in our eyes,” he said. 

“A diaspora whose heart never left home no matter how many generations passed, a nation state that was reborn and a language revived. 

“I believe it is possible to be for Israel and for Palestine and I believe you do too. 

“Because the life of a Palestinian child is equal to that of an Israeli one. 

“And the aspiration of the Palestinian people to have a homeland, and a fully-fledged State, in the land of their forefathers is equal to that of Israel’s.” 

Ireland 'deeply troubled' about Gaza

The Taoiseach said the Irish people are “deeply troubled about the catastrophe that’s unfolding before our eyes in Gaza”. 

“When I travel the world, leaders often ask me why the Irish have so much empathy for the Palestinian people,” he said. “The answer is simple - we see our history in their eyes. 

“A story of displacement and dispossession, a national identity questioned and denied, forced emigration, discrimination, and now - hunger.” 

He told President Biden the Irish people “support your work, and that of your administration, to secure a humanitarian ceasefire”. 

“The people of Gaza desperately need food, medicine and shelter. Most especially they need the bombs to stop,” he said. 

“This has to stop on both sides - the hostages brought home, and humanitarian relief allowed in.” 

Taoiseach commends Biden

Mr Varadkar also commended President Biden for his “leadership” in opposing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. 

“The battlelines are 5,000 miles away,” he said. “But if Ukraine loses, [Vladimir] Putin will soon threaten others closer to home. 

“Dictators cannot be appeased. Dictators can only be defeated.” 

Mr Varadkar travelled back from Washington last night.