The statement, read by Rooney’s publisher Alex Bowler, also said: “I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honour in person,” adding that she was showing “support for non-violent anti-war protest”.
“In that context, I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight, and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine,” it also said.
Rooney said in August she was using the proceeds from her four books and income from the BBC TV adaptations of Normal People and Conversations with Friends to support Palestine Action.
She is not currently working with the BBC on any upcoming projects and has never been a member of staff.
Last week, 890 people were arrested at a demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action in London on Saturday according to the Metropolitan Police.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said last week: Supporting Palestine and supporting a proscribed terrorist group are not the same thing.”
She also said she “backed officers” who had arrested those supporting the group.