Following February’s Nations League draw, the FAI confirmed it would not boycott the Israel games, with chief executive David Courell warning the governing body faced “serious consequences” if it did so.
Before the Qatar friendly, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a protest outside the Irish parliament.
Ireland defender Seamus Coleman said: “It should have been dealt with above us. I am a dad, I am a husband, I’ve got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong.
“I mean if I ask you the same question, I’m sure you’re all of the same opinion of what’s happening. It’s awful, it is extremely sad and it’s a very difficult position for the players to be in.
“I don’t think we should be in this position. Absolutely not. But of course we’ve got to answer on it. It is very uncomfortable.”
Captain Nathan Collins said that if individual players felt strongly enough to boycott the games, “we are not going to stand against them”.
On Friday, the FAI said it “understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture”.
It shared a statement from the Palestinian Football Association, which said: “The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes.
“The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect.”