Irish novelist Sally Rooney has expressed her continued support for Palestine Action, despite the group being classified as a terrorist organization in the UK. In a heartfelt opinion article for the Irish Times, Rooney vowed to use her platform and income to advocate against what she termed “genocide” and “injustice” faced by Palestinians.
Palestine Action and UK Controversy
Palestine Action is a UK-based pro-Palestinian direct action group proscribed as a terrorist organization by the government in July 2023. Since the ban, over 700 individuals have been arrested, including more than 500 during a central London demonstration last week. The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, cited an “Underground Manual” and allegations of intentional criminal damage and violent disorder as justification for the proscription.
Rooney’s remarks build on her long-standing advocacy for Palestinian causes. Citing the damage caused to RAF Brize Norton aircraft by group members and other activities targeting arms manufacturers such as Elbit Systems UK, Cooper defended the proscription as vital to national security and public order. Rooney’s continued financial support for Palestine Action has sparked intense debate and polarized public opinion.
Sally Rooney’s Personal Statement
In her Irish Times piece, Rooney criticized the UK government for, in her words, “stripping its citizens of basic freedoms,” which she views as a direct attack on dissenting opinions related to Palestinian rights. She stated that the repercussions of such actions “on cultural and intellectual life in the UK will be profound.” The Normal People and Conversations with Friends author also outlined her intent to donate residual income from BBC-related productions to Palestine Action.
Rooney’s activism is not new. In 2021, she refused to authorize the Hebrew translation of her book Beautiful World, Where Are You by an Israeli publisher, citing her boycott of entities that fail to align with her political stance on Palestine. She later said it would be an honor to collaborate with a Hebrew publisher sharing her values.
Broader Context of the Israel-Gaza War
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7, 2023, fatalities have escalated on both sides. Hamas’s initial attack left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead, while retaliatory actions by Israel have reportedly resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry, figures United Nations have deemed reliable. The conflict and associated human rights debates continue to dominate global headlines.
Rooney’s management team has yet to issue a follow-up statement on her comments. A BBC spokesperson clarified that issues surrounding proscribed groups fall under the jurisdiction of relevant authorities.
The novelist’s vocal stance reaffirms her commitment to using her work to address pressing social and humanitarian concerns. However, with legal actions pending for Palestine Action members, the debate over the group’s status and activities is likely to persist in the public domain.
