SDLP confirms full Washington boycott for St Patrick’s week in Gaza protest

The SDLP has said it will not be sending any party representatives to Washington for St Patrick’s Day due to the conflict in Gaza.

The party had already announced a boycott of celebratory St Patrick’s events at the White House in protest at the situation in the Middle East and the US administration’s support for Israel, but it was still planning to send a delegation to Washington to raise its concerns.

Announcing the plan in January, the party said its delegation would “engage with senior lawmakers, Irish Americans and Palestinian Americans to make the case for an end to violence”.

However, party leader Colum Eastwood has confirmed the party is no longer planning to send a delegation.

“The situation in Gaza has continued to deteriorate,” he said.

“More children have been killed, communities obliterated and thousands of people displaced as a result of this horrifying conflict. And now, during the holy month of Ramadan, we have clear warnings that starvation is being used as a weapon of war against the Palestinian people.

“In those circumstances, the SDLP’s decision not to attend celebratory events at the White House remains. We cannot drink Guinness and have the craic while people in Gaza continue to be persecuted.

“As a result of the decline in the situation the SDLP will not send any representatives to Washington DC this week.

“We understand that our action is symbolic and is unlikely to force a change in US foreign policy but it is the right thing to do and, we believe, the most powerful step we can take to highlight the inhumanity in Gaza.

“I sincerely hope that the international community wakes up and escalates its interventions to end the genocide, including by securing aid routes to prevent mass starvation.

“This is a stain on the international order that must be addressed soon.”

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll welcomed the announcement from the SDLP and urged Sinn Fein to consider boycotting the White House.

“The SDLP’s decision has come following intense pressure from the Palestine solidarity movement,” he said.

“People Before Profit reiterates the demand for Irish politicians to snub Genocide Joe Biden and all who inflict such horror upon humanity.

“I would take this opportunity to make a specific appeal to the members of Sinn Fein, who have been long-time supporters of the Palestinian cause. It is better to admit fault than to stubbornly continue down a wrong and reckless path.

“Rank and file Sinn Fein members should call on their leaders to boycott the White House.”