In the lead-up to the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House, there is growing tension surrounding discussions between Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and President Biden concerning the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Public outrage in Ireland over Biden's stance on the war has created pressure on the Irish delegation to address what they perceive as American complicity in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.

During his visit to the U.S., Varadkar has been diplomatic in his approach, commending President Biden for his efforts while also advocating for Ireland's position on the Gaza conflict. Speaking alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, Varadkar voiced his support for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace and security.

A meeting between Varadkar and President Biden in the Oval Office further highlighted their differing views on the conflict. While Varadkar called for a permanent ceasefire, Biden advocated for a temporary ceasefire of at least six weeks as part of a hostage deal. Nonetheless, Biden expressed his agreement with Varadkar's concerns.

Following their meeting, the leaders attended the annual Friends of Ireland lunch on Capitol Hill, where Biden expressed his gratitude for Ireland's humanitarian aid in Gaza and Ukraine. He also urged Congress to pass a foreign aid bill and reaffirmed his commitment to doing their part in addressing the conflict.

However, the warm reception that Biden received in Ireland less than a year ago now seems to have diminished due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Lawmaker Aodhán Ó Ríordáin remarked on the significant change in sentiment among the Irish people and politicians, stating that Biden's visit to Ireland would not receive the same warmth and support in light of the destruction in Gaza.

Ireland has a long history of advocating for the Palestinian people's rights and statehood, largely due to the parallels seen between their own history of British occupation and the Palestinians' struggle for independence. Fatin Al Tamimi, an Irish-Palestinian activist, highlighted the widespread public outrage in Ireland over the conflict, which has led to massive demonstrations across the country demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Amidst the criticism, some political leaders have chosen to boycott the St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House. Colum Eastwood, the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party in Northern Ireland, expressed his refusal to attend the event, citing his disapproval of Biden's facilitation of the conflict and the continued supply of weapons to Israel.

Furthermore, the funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has become another point of contention. While many countries, including the U.S., temporarily suspended funding pending an investigation into allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in a Hamas attack, Ireland has continued its support and recently committed an additional $22 million in funding for the agency.

The divide between Irish political leadership and the White House regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict has become increasingly apparent. As the St. Patrick's Day celebrations unfold, the diplomatic discussions hold the potential for a tense atmosphere as Ireland intensifies its call for action and a greater focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As of now, President Biden's firm stance on the conflict continues to be met with growing opposition from the Irish public and elected officials, signaling a shift in the dynamics of the Irish-American relationship during this year's St. Patrick's Day festivities.