Beirut – 21 October 2026

As part of its efforts to strengthen cooperation with trade union organizations, liberation movements, and international solidarity movements, the Palestinian Sports Network, in collaboration with the Palestine International Center in Bourj al-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon, is preparing to welcome a trade union solidarity delegation from Ireland, scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on Sunday, 25 October 2026, to explore opportunities for joint cooperation in trade union, sports, and youth activities.

The visit’s program includes developing a shared vision to strengthen cooperation between Palestinian and Irish institutions and launching a project to establish a sports team in Bourj al-Barajneh camp, bringing together 40 players to practice Gaelic football, in an initiative that will be the first of its kind in the camp.

Hisham Issawi, Executive Director of the Palestine International Center, stated: “This initiative is the result of growing cooperation with international solidarity movements, particularly in Ireland, in coordination with the Palestinian Sports Network, under the auspices of the Palestine International Center, and with the contributions of our friends and supporters of Palestine in Europe and around the world.”

Issawi explained that the Irish delegation will hold a series of meetings with community institutions, grassroots organizations, and sports groups in Bourj al-Barajneh camp to gain firsthand insight into the conditions of Palestinian refugees and the social and economic challenges they face, particularly the ongoing denial of their civil, social, and economic rights.

He noted that the visit represents an opportunity to strengthen the historic ties and shared struggles of the Palestinian and Irish peoples and to develop joint initiatives in trade union and sports activities, emphasizing the importance of international grassroots solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation and return.