2025 was a year of action and determination in Kilkenny, as thousands of people demanded that the Irish Government pass the Occupied Territories Act to prohibit the import of goods and services from Palestinian settlements illegally occupied by Israel.
After more than two and a half years of devastating bombardment by the Israeli Defence Forces, largely using weapons supplied by the United States, Gaza’s population has been forced into a small southern area of the territory. Most people are now living in tents, surrounded by IDF forces, in conditions widely described as an “open-air concentration camp.” Winter storms have destroyed thousands of tents, flooding families’ few remaining possessions — clothing, bedding, and vital documents — with contaminated water. Only an estimated quarter of the essential food and medical supplies needed are being allowed into Gaza. Children have already died from hypothermia and malnutrition. Deprived of the basic necessities of life, the genocide continues. At the same time, violent attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank have intensified, carried out by armed settlers alongside the IDF.
Amid this devastation, a bright spot has been the determined response of millions of people worldwide. People of all ages have taken part in solidarity actions, boycotts, fundraising, and campaigns demanding sanctions against Israel.
In Kilkenny, this solidarity has been powerfully expressed. Thousands of men and women, young and old, marched through the city on three occasions during the year. A growing number have also sustained a weekly vigil for Palestine on The Parade every Wednesday evening. To date, 115 weekly vigils have taken place.
Despite this strong public opposition, the Irish Government continues to undermine the Occupied Territories Bill, instead supporting United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, based on the so-called “Trump 20 Point Plan.” This proposal would place Gaza under international control without Palestinian self-rule and has been widely condemned by international law experts as illegal and dangerous.
People increasingly recognise that this is not only about Palestine, but about the future protection of smaller nations from domination by more powerful states — a reality Ireland understands well from its own history. The marches in Kilkenny have sent a clear message to local and national representatives: we will not stand for genocide. As local councillors prepare to vote on a resolution supporting the Occupied Territories Bill in the new year, it is hoped they will not fail.
High Points of the Year
The year featured sustained and creative activism, including 52 weekly Wednesday vigils at the Parade. Highlights included a Palestinian Food Night at St Canice’s Community Hall, a packed public meeting supporting the Occupied Territories Bill with Senator Frances Black, and music and spoken-word fundraisers for Gaza. Nearly 2,000 people marched for Palestine in August. The Gaza Quilt was displayed at Kilkenny Castle, followed by emergency and solidarity marches. Music became central to the campaign, alongside tribute vigils, boycott actions, pickets, and numerous countywide fundraising events for Gaza.
Kilkenny Community Palestine Solidarity Group sends thanks and wishes for a good new year to all and especially those, including community and other solidarity groups, who have helped or take part.
