Thousands are marching through Dublin as part of a National Demonstration for Palestine, demanding an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza.
Beginning at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square at 1pm, protestors are marching to the Department of Foreign Affairs on Stephen’s Green.
Organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) as part of a global day of action, they are calling for a ceasefire between the Israeli state and Hamas.
Representatives from political parties such as Sinn Fein, People Before Profit, and the Social Democrats, as well as trade and students’ unions, have joined the protest.
So proud of this today - one of biggest protests in Ireland in recent years
Tens of thousands march in
Massive solidarity protest today in Dublin with Gaza#CeasefireNOW #palestine🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/rOusYmzsfR— Rory Hearne (@RoryHearneGaffs) January 13, 2024
Demonstrations are also taking in Cork, Ennis, Longford, Killorglin, Carrick-on-Shannon and Derry.
Traffic has been brought to a near standstill in the inner-city centre as protestors march through Dame Street and George’s Street.
Cars on Fade Street have been blocked by protestors from entering George’s Street, with Gardaí saying it could be at least two hours before congestion clears.
Protestors have also criticised Ireland’s refusal to support South Africa in its accusation of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice.
They are also calling on the Irish government to boycott the White House this St Patrick’s Day in protest of America’s support of Israel in the war.
Solidarity with Palestine
One protestor said Irish people must show solidarity with Palestine “given our awareness of what colonisation does”.
“What’s happening in Palestine is genocide, but everyone is reporting it as war,” she said.
“If there’s any kind of solidarity we can bring to people who have as much as a right to be here as me, we have to do it.
“The American and British Governments are just supporting this genocide and our Government should be standing up for Palestine instead of hiding behind words and hiding behind bureaucracy.”
Global day of action
Abroad, thousands of pro-Palestine protestors have taken to the streets of central London as part of a global action across 30 countries.
Hundreds of police officers are on duty with protestors warned they'll face arrest if they intentionally "push the limit" on placards and slogans.
The UK protests come as the Royal Air Force and the United States launched airstrikes against Houthi bases in Yemen.
The Iran-backed group reportedly targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea amid Israel’s war against Hamas.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported yesterday roughly 23,000 people have died since the escalation in violence following Hamas’ attack on October 7th.
