"We see our history in their eyes": Irish PM Leo Varadkar addresses Palestinians in front of Biden

During an annual St Patrick's Day event at the White House in which US President Joe Biden was present, Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar used the opportunity to express the Irish people's empathy for the Palestinian cause. Drawing parallels with Ireland's own history of displacement and struggle for national identity, the Taoiseach reiterated Ireland's readiness to recognise a Palestinian state in partnership with others - but advocated for a future for a two state solution.

The event at the White House also commemorated a century of diplomatic ties between the US and the Republic of Ireland. When Biden spoke, he reaffirmed the joint commitment of both nations to opposing tyranny, and stressed the importance of increasing humanitarian aid in Gaza while working towards a two-state solution.