Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has confirmed that her party will not be attending St Patrick's Day events at the White House this year.

The decision follows Ms McDonald's assessment of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, which she described as dire.

The Sinn Féin Leader stated that despite discussions regarding a ceasefire, Israeli attacks have persisted and civilians continue to be killed. She emphasised that peace in the region must involve the end of occupation and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Ms McDonald noted that the Good Friday Agreement serves as a global example that moving from conflict to permanent peace is possible. She stressed the importance of the international community remaining focused on Palestine and stated that Sinn Féin would continue to use its voice to demand that international law is upheld.

While the party will not attend the White House events, Ms McDonald reiterated the importance of the bonds between the people of Ireland and the United States. She confirmed that Sinn Féin will continue its work with various American stakeholders, including representatives on Capitol Hill, trade unions, business leaders, and the Irish diaspora. "Sinn Féin will not attend St. Patrick's Day events at the White House this year. The situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank remains dire, and the reality is that for all of the talk of a ceasefire, Israeli attacks on Gaza have not ended. The genocide continues. Civilians are still being killed. Homes are still being struck. Families who have already lost everything continue to live under fire.

"Peace in Palestine must mean the end of occupation, the end of apartheid-like systems of control and the full realisation of a sovereign Palestinian state.

"The Good Friday Agreement has shown the world that it is possible to move out of conflict into a permanent peace. A better future for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel is possible. Peace is possible. Justice is possible.

"It is important that the eyes of the international community remain focused on what is happening in Palestine and it is important that Sinn Féin uses its voice to demand that international law is upheld and peace and justice prevail.

"The ties between the people of Ireland and the United States are of key importance. Sinn Féin has deep and enduring bonds that go back decades with those in the United States who played a key role in the peace process and in the campaign for Irish reunification.

"Sinn Féin will continue that work with senior representatives on Capitol Hill, the trade union movement, business leaders, Irish American organisations and the diaspora."