By Leon Thompson
Ireland’s support during the Gaza crisis has extended following the announcement of €13 million in aid being sent to Palestine.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin announced the aid in Dáil Éireann as an acknowledgement of the escalated violence in the Middle East.
Mr Martin hopes “a lasting and sustainable peace” can be achieved following Israel’s declaration of war on Hamas when Israeli citizens were attacked two weeks ago. Mr Martin has also said the Irish government unequivocally condemns the attacks made by Hamas and expresses their deepest condolences for the Israeli people affected.
The Ireland-Palestine Support Campaign (IPSC) is supporting demonstrations nationwide, while the national demonstration to end the slaughters in Gaza will take place in Dublin tomorrow afternoon.
Cork, Cavan, Clare, Kerry and Belfast will also see demonstrations tomorrow.
The Garden of Remembrance in Dublin 1 should expect demonstrators at 1pm on the 21st of October following IPSC’s announcement saying, “As Apartheid Israel continues pounding the captive and besieged people of Gaza with indiscriminate bombing and gets ready for a full-scale invasion, all with the blessing of Western powers, we ask you to join us at an emergency solidarity rally in support of the Palestinian people.”
Crowds are expected to attend while TD Mr Paul Murphy has announced his support and attendance saying, “When does Palestine get the right to defend itself? 75 years of ethnic cleansing and apartheid…17 years of a brutal siege on Gaza…10,000 Palestinians killed in the last 15 years. Stop the slaughter!”
Other counties such as Tipperary and Antrim saw protests yesterday, October 19th while counties such as Louth, Longford, Cork, Down and Armagh will hold more demonstrations throughout the month of October.
The last demonstration supported by the IPSC is anticipated for Co.Mayo on the 25th of October.
Campaigners were outside of the Dáil on October 18th with Diarmuid Breatnach in attendance calling it “a duty and a pleasure” as he anticipated the outcome of the debate happening inside.
In Cork, one demonstrator Patrick Hobbart said: “…it’s deeply distressing to witness the enduring hardships faced by the Palestinian people who have carried the heavy burden of apartheid and colonialism for generations. It’s imperative to acknowledge that Hamas doesn’t speak for all Palestinians. The Israeli government must heed this plea and halt their relentless assault on innocent civilians. In this conflict, there are no victors…the international community must unite to demand an immediate ceasefire.”
Kevin Callinan, General Secretary of Fórsa Trade Union echoed Mr Martin’s sentiments, “The killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas and the collective punishment of the people of Gaza by the Israeli government will do nothing to end the occupation and bring about peace,” he said.
President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen’s statement declaring “Europe stands with Israel” has led to a lot of pushback from members of the European Parliament (MEP) especially
MEP Clare Daly commended protesters that occupied the European Commission’s Office in Dublin saying: “So proud of friends and comrades…currently occupying the European Commission offices in Dublin as we here in Strasbourg go in to vote on a shameful Parliament motion that fails to condemn Israel for its ongoing crimes against humanity in Gaza.”
The office was occupied by concerned citizens organised into a group called Dublin for Gaza, with one member Lamia Tadjine saying: “Let us be clear—blood is on the hands, not just of the Israeli military and leadership, but on the hands of those states and institutions who have provided cover for these atrocities, such as the European Union.”
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