Irish Support for Palestinians Rooted in Shared History of Struggle

A new academic study from 2026 reveals that a significant majority of Irish people sympathize more with the Palestinian cause than with Israel, a sentiment largely driven by historical parallels between Ireland's struggle for independence from British rule and the Palestinian experience.

The research, based on a survey of 1,547 Irish individuals, found that 53% identified more with the Palestinian side, compared to 11% who identified more with Israel. Approximately 76% of respondents considered the conflict to be of significant importance to them, indicating a widespread public sentiment rather than just a governmental stance.

This identification stems from Ireland's centuries-long history of British occupation, its fight for independence, territorial division, and the national conflict in Northern Ireland. Many Irish citizens perceive patterns of oppression and colonialism in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that resonate with their own historical narrative.

The Irish government officially recognized a Palestinian state in May 2024, alongside Spain and Norway, citing support for Palestinian self-determination and the two-state solution, while affirming Israel's right to exist and for Israelis to have security. This governmental action reflects a broader public opinion, with the study indicating that support for Palestinians extends beyond the left-wing, showing significant leanings even among centrist party voters.

Many Irish people view their stance not as hatred towards Israel, but as a historical identification with a people struggling against foreign rule, interpreting the Palestinian situation through the lens of their own national history. This perspective contributes to Ireland having one of the strongest pro-Palestinian sentiments among Western nations.