Thousands of people marched through the streets of Dublin on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, in a powerful display of solidarity with Palestine. The demonstration, organized by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), marks the nineteenth National March for Palestine since October 2023, reflecting sustained concern over the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. The march culminated at Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Parliament, where speakers addressed the crowd and called for increased political action.
The scale of the protest underscores growing international pressure for a ceasefire and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ireland has historically maintained a strong stance in support of Palestinian rights, and this latest demonstration highlights the depth of public feeling on the issue. The IPSC, a leading advocacy group, reported that over 170 Irish civil society groups lent their support to the campaign, with representatives from various organizations across the island participating in the march. This broad coalition demonstrates the widespread concern that transcends political and social boundaries within Ireland.
Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience
Among the speakers was Ghada Ashour, a Palestinian woman currently studying for a Master’s degree in Ireland. Ashour shared a deeply personal and moving account of her family’s experience during the current conflict. She explained that she left Khan Younis in Gaza last September to pursue her education, a decision she described as the “hardest decision of my entire life.” Her family, she said, has been “devastated” by the war, facing the destruction of their home and the tragic loss of loved ones, including her brother, who was killed almost two years prior. RTE News reported on her emotional testimony.
Ashour poignantly described the agonizing choice she faced: remaining in Gaza and risking her life and future, or leaving her family behind in increasingly dire circumstances. “So honestly, I had to make the hardest decision of my entire life, which was leaving my family behind,” she stated. The weight of her separation from her family, and the uncertainty of when she might observe them again, was palpable in her words. Her story resonated deeply with the crowd, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict.
International Solidarity and a Call for Action
The demonstration also featured Rula Nasr-Mazzawi, an activist who travelled from Nazareth to address the marchers. Nasr-Mazzawi emphasized the importance of international solidarity, stating that Palestinians “follow what you guys do here in Ireland, and we always perceive stronger.” She explained that demonstrations of support, like the one in Dublin, provide a crucial sense of hope and reassurance to those living in Gaza, reminding them that they are not alone. “People feel stronger when they see your demonstrations, it’s just a feeling that we are not alone, that people in Gaza are not alone, and this is very important,” Nasr-Mazzawi said, according to RTE.
The IPSC highlighted the widespread support for the Palestinian cause within Irish civil society. Raymond Carroll, who travelled from Newry with the local branch of the IPSC, explained his motivation for participating: “I can’t just sit back and watch what is happening.” He added that governments were “sitting back and watching and doing nothing about this.” Carroll drew parallels between the situation in Palestine and the historical experiences of Northern Ireland, noting that “Being from the north of Ireland, we have gone through a similar situation, not nearly as bad as the Palestinian people, so obviously we’re going to have empathy with them.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of conflict and displacement within the Irish context.
The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign
The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has been a prominent voice advocating for Palestinian rights in Ireland for many years. According to their website, IPSC.ie, the organization works to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause, campaign for political action, and provide support to Palestinian communities. The IPSC coordinates various initiatives, including protests, educational events, and advocacy efforts aimed at influencing Irish foreign policy. They also maintain a calendar of events, including regular protests at Leinster House, known as “Dubs for Palestine,” as noted on their Facebook page. Facebook shows ongoing weekly protests.
The Broader Context of Pro-Palestine Demonstrations
The march in Dublin is part of a global wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations that have taken place since the escalation of the conflict in October 2023. These protests reflect widespread international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the rising death toll, and the ongoing displacement of civilians. Demonstrations have been held in major cities around the world, including London, Recent York, and Paris, with participants calling for a ceasefire, an complete to the occupation, and a just and lasting peace. The sustained nature of these protests—the IPSC notes this is the nineteenth National March since October 2023—indicates a growing and determined movement for Palestinian rights.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with limited access to essential resources such as food, water, and medical care. International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly warned of the risk of famine and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The ongoing conflict has also had a devastating impact on infrastructure, with hospitals, schools, and homes destroyed or damaged. The protests in Dublin, and elsewhere, are a direct response to this unfolding humanitarian crisis and a call for greater international action to protect Palestinian civilians.
The demonstration at Leinster House serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and the importance of international solidarity. The personal stories shared by speakers like Ghada Ashour brought a human face to the conflict, while the broad coalition of support demonstrated the widespread concern within Irish society. As the conflict continues, the IPSC and other advocacy groups are likely to maintain pressure on the Irish government and the international community to take meaningful action to address the crisis and work towards a just and lasting peace.
The next scheduled “Dubs for Palestine” protest is planned for Leinster House, continuing the weekly demonstrations aimed at keeping the issue in the public eye and urging political action. Further updates on the IPSC’s campaign and upcoming events can be found on their website, IPSC.ie. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in constructive dialogue on this important issue in the comments below.