Is Ireland Building Camps for Palestinian Refugees From Gaza?

Social media accounts, including those of Israeli activist Edy Cohen and other pro-Israel figures, shared a video with claims that Ireland is building housing for Palestinian refugees from Gaza.

The claim gained traction after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the United States might take control of Gaza following an Israeli military withdrawal under a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Trump is reportedly trying to persuade Jordan and Egypt to accept up to one million displaced Palestinians.

The claim quickly went viral, with the video garnering more than a million views in a day. Originally shared in English, it suggested a certain context. However, an investigation revealed that the video’s content did not align with the claim.

A Camp in Ireland Designated for Ukrainian Refugees

Through reverse image search, Misbar's team found that the video is recent and was filmed on Heywood Street in Clonmel, County Tipperary, in the south of the Republic of Ireland. The video shows the construction of a large camp in the midst of agricultural fields.

Further research on the official Irish government website confirmed that the site is designated for Ukrainian refugees. Between 2022 and 2024, Ireland issued personal public service numbers to 109,056 individuals who were granted temporary protection status from Ukraine.

Ireland provides various services, including English language courses, employment support, and resources for families, youth, and children. In addition, mobile homes with entertainment amenities—designed to last up to 60 years—have been constructed for Ukrainian refugees.

Moreover, satellite images show that this is the only refugee camp in Clonmel, and it will consist of 82 housing units, according to government figures. The camp’s construction took about three years but remains unfinished. The project has faced significant local opposition, including protests, since Clonmel began receiving Ukrainian refugees in 2022.

Will Ireland Accept Palestinian Refugees From Gaza?

The Republic of Ireland has not announced plans to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, which has endured a devastating conflict sparked by Israeli occupation forces from October 7, 2023, through January 19, 2025. In early February 2025, Ireland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected a proposal from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to host Palestinian refugees from Gaza.

Neither Irish sources nor international media or news agencies have reported that Ireland intends to host Palestinian refugees from Gaza in the future.

The Ukraine-Russia War

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, and was termed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "special and swift military operation," has escalated into a prolonged and bloody war of attrition. The conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands on both sides and is nearing its third year.

Recently, since assuming office, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he is working to find a solution to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump’s Gaza Plan

On February 10, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his plan to "purchase and take control of" Gaza, stating that Palestinians would not be granted the right of return under the proposal. This contrasts with statements from other officials, who indicated the plan involves temporary resettlement. Trump’s remarks came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the project, calling it revolutionary, while Arab nations condemned the plan, deeming it dangerous.

Trump is pressing Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, but there have been no official announcements from either country confirming their involvement. The proposal has faced sharp criticism from both the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S. Congress.

Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump has suggested U.S. control over Gaza, promising to transform it into a tourist destination and improve housing for Palestinians, though the legal basis for the plan remains unclear.

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