LARGE CROWDS TOOK part in a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Dublin today, the sixth Saturday in a row in which a protest has taken place in the capital amid Israel’s war with Hamas. 

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign group organised the march in protest of Israel’s treatment of Gazans and to call on the government to put tougher sanctions on the state.

The protest began at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square in Dublin  and concluded with a rally at Leinster House.

Footage shared on social media showed large crowds of people marching down O’Connell Street from the Garden of Remembrance, with “free Palestine” and “we are all Palestinians” being chanted by those present. 

Massive turnout in Dublin in support of the people of #Gaza and #Palestine pic.twitter.com/flMXHLaXPk

— Cian O'Callaghan T.D. (@OCallaghanCian) November 18, 2023

Red paint was thrown on the Department of Foreign Affairs building on St Stephen’s Green as protesters passed.

A similar demonstration also took place in Cork City this afternoon. 

Red paint was thrown by protesters on the Department of Foreign Affairs exterior. Eimer McAuley Eimer McAuley

It follows a week of intense debate about whether the Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich should be expelled for her state’s role in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where so far more than 12,000 people have been killed including 5,000 children.

Israel’s attacks were launched after 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in raids by Hamas on 7 October. A further 240 people were taken hostage. 

The Social Democrats motion was rejected by the Dáil, with TDs backing the government countermotion by a margin of 85 to 55. 

Dublin’s heart beats for #Palestine today. Massive turnout at the @ipsc48 National Demonstration.

The message is clear: End the #Gaza_Genocide, end apartheid. Ireland’s support is unwavering 🇵🇸#SolidarityWithPalestine #IrishVoicesForPeace #CeasefireInGazaNOW pic.twitter.com/el62jWlm2d

— Thomas Pringle T.D. (@ThomasPringleTD) November 18, 2023

While the vote took place, a substantial crowd gathered outside with Palestinian flags, chanting“Israeli ambassador, out, out out”.

Speaking ahead of today’s protest, IPSC Chairperson Zoe Lawlor said she was “inspired” by the ”explosion in grassroots solidarity”.

“It seems like there’s been protests calling for an end to Israel’s genocidal attack on the people of Gaza in every town and city in Ireland.”

The march has been co-organised with other activist groups such as the Union of Students in Ireland, Trade Union Friends of Palestine and Gaza Action Ireland.