O’Neill says White House visit over Gaza was unbearable decision

Sinn Féin leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill have announced they will not attend the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day events at the White House. This decision serves as a protest against President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to relocate approximately 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and place the territory under U.S. control.

Trump’s plan has faced widespread condemnation from Palestinians, Arab nations, and global leaders, who view it as a severe threat to Palestinian rights and stability in the region. Despite Sinn Féin’s boycott, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin intends to participate in the Washington celebrations, emphasizing the importance of discussing trade and geopolitical issues with the U.S. administration.

This marks the first time since the 1998 Good Friday peace accord that Sinn Féin leaders will abstain from the White House’s St. Patrick’s Day event.