Irish Leaders to Address Gaza Crisis at White House St. Patrick's Day Event

Amidst growing tensions, Irish officials plan to use the White House St. Patrick's Day reception to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza and express solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

• Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill will attend the White House St. Patrick's Day reception, intending to convey their constituents' opposition to U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.
• Several Irish political parties and leaders, including the SDLP and Sinn Fein, are boycotting the event to protest the ongoing violence in Gaza and the U.S. role in supporting Israel.
• Ireland's long-standing policy of military neutrality and history of support for the Palestinian cause are highlighted as central to the Irish identity and response to the Gaza crisis.
• Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are planned across Ireland and Northern Ireland, including a march to the U.S. Consulate in Belfast, to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
• National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reaffirmed the U.S. administration's support for Israel, while also expressing concerns about the protection of civilians in Gaza and access to humanitarian assistance.

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