‘Late Late Show’ Host Patrick Kielty Sends ‘Message Of Hope’ From Ireland to Israelis and Palestinians

Comedian Patrick Kielty delivered an evocative epilogue on RTE’s Late Late Show, drawing a poignant comparison between the ongoing Middle East conflict and Northern Ireland’s Troubles.

Kielty spoke about the shared “pain and horror” felt by both Israelis and Palestinians. Expressing hope, he wished for them the “miracle” of peace Northern Ireland is living today.

That “miracle” in Northern Ireland was the Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, a landmark peace accord delivered through cross-party talks and international mediation. The move effectively ended the decades long violent conflict between unionists, loyal to the UK, and nationalists, seeking Irish reunification. The agreement established a devolved government and ensured power-sharing among its factions.

Extending his “love” to the family of Irish-Israeli Kim Damti, a victim of Hamas’ initial attack, Kielty said: “Tonight so many of us… want to send our love to the family of Kim Damti and all the families whose lives this week have been ripped apart in Israel and Palestine.”

Sharing his own experiences, he reflected, “But as someone who grew up during a conflict where the rights and wrongs of politics were always writ large… the hurt and pain on both sides was sadly the same.”

Kielty, whose father was tragically murdered during Northern Ireland’s conflict, added: “Tonight there are many parents and children in Israel and in Gaza who are praying for a miracle to make it stop.”

The closing segment rapidly gained traction and was shared widely, gaining millions of views, as many resonated with his plea.

The ongoing violence in the Middle East has seen devastating casualties on both sides. With Israel gearing up for a full ground offensive into Gaza, humanitarian conditions are only expected to become worse.