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Irish Times
4 days ago
- Irish Times
Thirty two children from the West Bank watched the All-Ireland in Jordan. This wasn't the plan
The cheering coming from a hotel room in Amman last Sunday sprang from an astonishing source. Gathered in front of a big screen, 32 Palestinian children from the West Bank were watching the All-Ireland final on the GAAGO streaming service. Some were sporting Tipperary jerseys, a gift from a donor. After the final whistle, one of the boys produced a length of string and fashioned it into a clothes line over the bath upon which he hung his precious Gaelic jersey to dry after washing it. Such resourcefulness is second nature to a child who has lived all his life in a refugee camp; as have his parents and his grandparents. The children – avid hurlers and camogie players aged from nine to 16 – should have been in Ireland, but they and 14 adult mentors were refused visas by the Department of Justice . 'But Ireland loves us,' they responded, confused, when the tour organisers, GAA Palestine, told them their visit to 152 waiting host families had to be cancelled . When Mohammed cannot come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed. A group of volunteers flew from Ireland to Jordan last Friday to give the children an alternative holiday there. One teenager failed to make it across the border from the West Bank because his requisite school certificate had burned to ashes when the Israel Defense Forces attacked his camp. On the day the other 32 left their homes in Ramallah and the Tulkarm, Jenin and Am'ari camps, soldiers shot a 13-year-old boy dead. Amr Ali Qabha had unwittingly walked down a road in Jenin where soldiers were present during violent raids by Israeli settlers. When he rounded a bend and saw them, Amr turned to go back. They shot him seven times – in the neck, abdomen, back, groin and right thigh. As he lay dying, the soldiers prevented an ambulance from going to his aid. READ MORE 'But Ireland loves us,' the children said. That is true, the GAA Palestine volunteers reassured them and showed them videos on their phones of last Saturday's solidarity protests when tens of thousands of people took to the streets of this country. These children need tender loving care. They've lost parents. They have family members in prisons, in detention with no charges. They are refugees all their lives. They are repeatedly displaced. They see the crops being burned, the sheep being killed. They need to be able to spend time without a gun in their face — Volunteer Claire Liddy 'Let them come,' the marchers had chanted. 'They say that for us?' wondered the children. They are not the only ones who are confused by the contradiction between Ireland's policy of solidarity on the Occupied Territories and how it treats the victim-occupants. The Government, admirably, has withstood orchestrated international opprobrium for its decision to officially recognise Palestinian statehood, which culminated in Israel shutting its embassy in Dublin. The Occupied Territories Bill currently before the Oireachtas has elicited accusations of anti-Semitism and warnings of ruination for the Irish economy. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee , a Southern Baptist pastor and former Fox News talkshow host, dredged the muck of drunken-Paddies stereotypes, unapologetic for his own racism. [ Heartbreak as Palestinian GAA players are refused visas to visit Ireland Opens in new window ] To its credit, the Oireachtas appears resolved to outlaw trade with illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Injecting steel into that resolve is the knowledge that since last January and up until last week, according to United Nations agency OCHA , 162 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. At least 32 of the dead were children. The killings and illegal seizures of Palestinian homes and farms, with the assistance of Israeli soldiers, have been a fact of life throughout the lives of the children watching Tipperary beat Cork last Sunday. As it becomes ever more obvious that Israel is trying to kill as many Gazans as it can while it still can with complicit way-leave by the US, Germany and the EU, Micheál Martin's condemnations have become more forthright and fearless. Yet Ireland's defence of Palestinians' freedom is a strange kind of love. GAA Palestine applied in February for the summer tour visas. It was only at the eleventh hour this month that the Department of Justice notified the organisation the visas were being refused, citing a failure to produce sufficient documents. Stephen Redmond, GAA Palestine's chairman who is currently in Jordan, countered that all required documentations had been submitted; in fact, more than ever before for past tours. One West Bank group having to abandon its plans might be presumed a glitch or merely the pedantry of some stickler officials in the department's visa section, but two suggests a pattern. The Lajee Centre in the West Bank town of Bethlehem has had to postpone its planned tour to Ireland by 40 musicians and dancers this month after failing to obtain timely decisions on their visa applications. It would have been the third visit organised by the cultural centre. The hurt, confusion, upheaval and disappointment caused by these aborted tours can but be imagined. [ Exhausted and imprisoned: how life in the West Bank is getting worse for Palestinians Opens in new window ] 'These children need tender loving care,' volunteer Claire Liddy told me on the phone from the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea on Tuesday, during an outing with the young Palestinian hurlers. 'They've lost parents. They have family members in prisons, in detention with no charges. They live in camps. They are refugees all their lives. They are repeatedly displaced; some twice since May alone. They see the crops being burned [by Israeli settlers], the sheep being killed. They need to be able to spend time without a gun in their face.' Ireland's stringent admission policy for Palestinians also strikes a contrast with how it has treated Ukrainians, who do not require a visitor's visa. Within months of the Russian invasion in February 2022, this country was, rightly, accommodating 42,000 Ukrainian war refugees. Meanwhile, 208 Palestinians have been refused short-stay visas since Israel began its killing rampage in Gaza in October 2023 , according to data published by While there is a distinction to be made between a campaign of all-out war and a prolonged campaign of violent and illegal annexation, the ultimate consequences are the same for those on the receiving end. The common factor between what Israel is doing in Gaza and in the West Bank is an international crime called ethnic cleansing. The methods may differ – aerial bombardment, mass killings and man-made famine in Gaza; systemic discrimination, forced displacement and murders in the West Bank – but they belong to the same grand plan to colonise the Palestinian territories.
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Louth councillors back intervention for Palestinian boxing trip
The trip to Ireland is set to include a 'whistle stop' visit to Drogheda, where Cllr, Eric Donovan, a former international boxer, is hoping to lead a training session for the boxers from the West Bank and the Aida refugee camp in Palestine. Cllr. Donovan told the meeting that the group are looking forward to taking part in the event organised by Irish Sport for Palestine, which will includes male and female boxers, and both youth and senior competitors. A key part of the trip will see the group hosted by Irish Olympic champion Kellie Harrington in Dublin. "Potentially, this will be a fantastic opportunity for the Palestinian boxers to train with and learn from some of the best boxers in the world,' said Cllr. Donovan. 'It will also give them a temporary break from the constant bombardment of their country.' But pre-planning for the event has been overshadowed by fears over a delay in securing visas for the group. Cllr. Donovan submitted an emergency motion at the council meeting, saying: "Following the disappointing VISA administration debacle faced by GAA Palestine over the past few weeks and the resulting heartbreak of the children and sponsors involved in the project to bring kids from Palestine to play GAA in Ireland, I am calling on this Council to write to the Minister of Justice, Jim O'Callaghan to ensure that there is no similar administrative delay by the Department of Justice when Ireland welcomes the young Palestinian Boxing team from the Aida Refugee Camp near Bethlehem.' He said that only five of the group of 16 have had their visas approved, only because they hold non-Palestinian passports, and explained that all preparations on the Irish side, including garda vetting has taken place. Cllr. Donovan outlined to councillors that Irish Sport advocates for the Palestinian through sport and various fundraising events, which have helped to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine. The group has formed the Shamrock and Olive Tree Boxing project, which is planning the trip for boxers from Palestine and from Ramallah in the West Bank, to Waterford, Dublin and Louth before they head north to Belfast. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'One of the boxers is the Olympian Waseem Abu Sal, a world champion boxer, he is an Olympic athlete so to think that he is still waiting for approval.. my mind boggles,' said Cllr. Donovan. He asked councillors to write to the Minister to 'ensure this event is brought to a smooth fruition, and there is no repeat of what happened with GAA Palestine.' Cllr. Donovan added: ' An old coach of mine used to say that sport can change the world, and that there is nothing more uniting than sport, so I think it is extremely important that we extend the hand of friendship and solidarity with those who need it most.' Speaking after the meeting, Cllr. Donovan said: 'I want to thank all the councillors across the chamber as they supported my motion for the Council to write to Minister Jim O'Callaghan to ensure there is no repeat of the visa debacle leaving more heartbreak with young Palestinians. They have enough to contend with.'
The Journal
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Irish immigration officials refuse 265 Palestinian visa applications since 7 October attacks
IRISH IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS have refused visas for 265 Palestinians since October 2023, when Israel began its war in Gaza in response to attacks on its civilians by Hamas. Figures from the Department of Justice show that 1,249 visa applications by Palestinians were made between 1 October 2023 and 30 June of this year. They include 851 applications for short-stay C visas , which allow people to stay in Ireland for up to three months, and 398 applications for longer-term D visas , which allow people to work or settle permanently in Ireland and to apply for a residence permit. According to the figures, 445 Palestinians have been granted C visas since October 2023 while 208 Palestinians have been refused; and a further 288 Palestinians have been granted D visas during the same time-frame, while 57 Palestinians have been refused. The issue of visas for Palestinians has made headlines in recent weeks after The Journal reported that visas were refused for dozens of Palestinians from the West Bank who were due to travel to Ireland for a GAA tour this month. Advertisement GAA Palestine had plans in place for 47 Palestinians to travel here, including 33 children aged between 9 and 16 years of age. A total of 152 families in Ireland had signed up to host the group as they were to travel around Ireland. The figures provided by the Department do not include those for the GAA Palestine group, as they only cover successful applications and refusals up to the end up June. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan this week rejected criticism from GAA Palestine regarding his department's handling of their visa applications, insisting that their applications had been assessed 'fairly and accurately'. 'No matter who you are, you have to comply with the immigration rules,' he said. 'I'm not going to change those rules simply because there is media pressure put on me.' Citizens of Palestine are required to have a valid Irish entry visa before they seek to enter the State. However, a number of Palestinians have also claimed asylum in Ireland in recent years. This week, Cabinet heard that there were 957 international protection applications by Palestinians in 2024, though the figure dropped to just 65 applications in the first six months of 2025. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Post
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Post
GAA Palestine 'turn adversity into opportunity' with Jordan trip after Ireland tour axed
A GROUP of young GAA players from Palestine who were denied the chance to visit Ireland this summer have begun a 10-day tour of Jordan. GAA Palestine was forced to abandon a two-week tour of Ireland after their visa applications were rejected and it was not left with enough time to appeal the decision. The party of 33 children and 12 coaches were due to arrive into Dublin on Friday but they instead travelled to Jordan, heralding 'a new chapter of hope and resilience for GAA Palestine'. 'Unwavering spirit' GAA Palestine was founded last year by Stephen Redmond, an Irishman living in England, who travelled to the West Bank hoping to provide some respite to those living in the war-torn region. It had planned a two-week tour of Ireland but the group claimed its visa applications were rejected after it had already paid €38,000 on flights. After late efforts to salvage the trip and receiving widespread support in Ireland, the group conceded on Wednesday 'with a very heavy heart' that the tour had to be cancelled. "While we are beyond devastated, we remain committed to our mission and will now proceed with Plan B, exploring other destinations where our children will be welcomed and celebrated," read a statement from GAA Palestine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GAA Palestine (@gaa_palestine) True to the organisation's word, it arranged a 10-day tour of Jordan, where they will meet with a number of GAA stars. "Despite the heart-breaking decision to cancel their Irish tour, GAA Palestine has turned adversity into an opportunity for breakthrough," read a statement on Friday. "We are proud to announce the launch of a 10-day summer camp in Amman, Jordan, where our GAA Palestine players and mentors will experience the joy of sport, friendship and cultural exchange — a testament to their unwavering spirit. 'This extraordinary journey will feature legendary Irish hurling icons — Dublin Inter-county players Conor Donohue and Fergal Whitey will join the tour, along with former Waterford Inter-county player Shane Casey." 'Learn and grow' The Inter-county players were due to arrive in Amman on Saturday to lead the camp, while the party will watch Sunday's All-Ireland SHC final between Cork and Tipperary on a big screen. Other activities planned for the trip include visits to the Amman Citadel, the King Abdullah I Mosque and Souk Mango, one of the oldest markets in Amman. The 33 children will also get to experience zip-lining, buggy rides and climbing adventures as well as trips to amusement and water parks. "Most importantly, they will learn and grow through coaching sessions led by our committed volunteers and coaches," added the statement.
BreakingNews.ie
19-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Thousands attend pro-Palestinian rally in Dublin
Thousands of people have taken part in a pro-Palestinian rally calling on the Irish Government to implement sanctions on Israel. Saturday's rally saw demonstrators march from the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square to Leinster House. Advertisement It was the 16th such demonstration since October 2023 and came after the Dáil rose for the summer recess. The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) accused the Irish Government of an 'absolute refusal to hold Israel accountable for a genocide in which the Apartheid state has slaughtered more than 58,000 Palestinians'. The march demanded an end to the Central Bank of Ireland's role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU, for the Government to include services in the Occupied Territories Bill and to pass that legislation. It also called for an end to the use of Irish airspace for the transport of weapons to the region. Advertisement The group also criticised the Government after 33 Palestinian children were recently denied entry to Ireland over visa issues. GAA Palestine said it had to take the 'heartbreaking' decision to cancel a planned Irish tour for the children. Speaking ahead of the protest, IPSC chairperson Zoe Lawlor said: 'The Irish government is barely lifting a finger to end Ireland's deep complicity in this genocide.' Ms Lawlor added: 'On top of this we have the appalling spectacle of the state refusing visas to child medical evacuees and Palestinian kids to visit Ireland to play our national sports.' Advertisement Stretching along Molesworth Street in front of Leinster House was a 120ft long and 5.5ft wide quilt, made up of 2,300 panels. Each panel – the vast majority of which were knitted by hand – is designed to represent the deaths of 10 children in Gaza, adding up to a total of 23,000 children. Anna Doyle and Niamh Bonner, from Craftivism For Gaza, said they are still accepting squares as the death toll continues to rise. Ms Doyle told the PA news agency: 'Each square represents 10 children. Their voices have been lost to the world forever. Advertisement 'It also represents the voice of the crafter because most of them are made by people who wouldn't be able to come to a protest.'
