Protests are taking place outside the US Ambassador's residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park this evening.
Ambassador Claire Cronin had invited political representatives as part of an annual Christmas reception.
The demonstration was organised by People Before Profit TDs, who themselves are boycotting the reception for Oireachtas members.
Gardaí are monitoring the situation, including members mounted on horses.
It comes just days after the US used their veto on the United Nations Security Council to stop a resolution that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
The US vetoed the resolution, put forward by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 member states, on Friday.
There were 13 votes in favour and the UK abstained.
#BREAKING United States vetoes Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and immediate and unconditional release of all hostages
VOTE
In Favour: 13
Against: 1 (US)
Abstain: 1 (UK) pic.twitter.com/hY0YcJ1JKF— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 8, 2023
The resolution expressed grave concern over the "catastrophic situation" in Gaza and emphasised that both Palestinian and Israeli civilians must be protected.
It demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages as well as humanitarian access.
Independent Dublin City Councillor Cieran Perry, who is one of those boycotting the event, earlier told Moncrieff some people may still attend.
"Those that are interested in going will attend quietly and those that aren't just don't turn up," he said.
Councillor Perry said they are using the event to make a point.
"In this instance I think people are using the opportunity of the invitation to make a point of the ongoing slaughter in Gaza," he said.
"I think that's what's different this year than previously."
Protests outside the US Ambassador's residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park, 12-12-23. Image: Newstalk/Ellen ButlerCouncillor Perry said the US veto at the UN was "the driving force" behind the boycott for the Independent Group on Dublin City Council.
"We just feel it's an opportunity to highlight the hypocrisy of the American Government's support for the slaughter in Gaza, while attempting to celebrate the festive season in Ireland," he said.
"We'd argue that the ambassador herself can't hide the fact that while most Irish children can enjoy a happy and peaceful Christmas, the children in Gaza are being killed in their thousands by Israeli forces using American weapons.
"It's complete hypocrisy," he added.
More than 18,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the start of Israel's military operations, including over 4,000 women and 7,000 children.
Tens of thousands are reported to have been injured, and many are missing presumably under rubble.
