More than 400 turnout in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Gaza at Sligo march
A PROTEST march expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and Gaza and calling for an end to genocide was held in Sligo on Saturday afternoon last.
More than 400 people carrying banners and placards marched from the assembly point on Connaughton Road through the town centre to Sligo City Hall where they were addressed by a number of speakers including Sligo’s Mayor, Cllr Declan Bree and Sinn Féin T.D. Martin Kenny.
The demonstration, which was organised by the Sligo Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was one of many events held at the weekend calling for the Irish Government to support South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Declan Bree said, “The preliminary decision and measures issued by the International Court of Justice is an historic defeat for the genocidal apartheid State of Israel. The outcome confirms that Israel is now on trial for the crime of genocide.
“This should put all of Israel’s international backers, including the United States, the UK, Germany and Italy on notice, because complicity with genocide is also a crime.”
Referring to the likelihood of Palestinians seeking refuge in Ireland he said, “We are conscious that as the people of Palestine continue to suffer Israeli aggression there is a likelihood that some of them will be compelled to seek international protection. And, as we have helped others fleeing war and persecution, I have no doubt but that we in Ireland and in Sligo will have no hesitation in showing solidarity and in giving Palestinian citizens temporary protection should they seek it.”
Ms Therese Barry, of the Solidarity Campaign said, “The genocide of Gaza is getting worse, and following the International Criminal Court’s preliminary hearing, Netanyahu has just announced his refusal to abide by any directions from the court.”
Martin Kenny T.D. called on the Irish government to join with South Africa in their case to hold Israel accountable for their crimes against the Palestinian people.
“The International Court of Justice has ordered that Israel cease the targeting and killing of Palestinians, that it must take measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza strip and that it must allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Court’s rulings are binding on Israel. They must be respected and enforced. Israeli impunity must end.
“The only way to fulfil the order of the court is through a full, immediate and permanent ceasefire,” he said.
Dr Salem Gharbia, a native of Gaza said, "It is deeply moving to witness all of you standing here in Sligo, protesting against the genocide and condemning the war crimes inflicted upon the innocent people of Gaza.
“Finding words to convey the current reality in Gaza is a challenge. As governments across the world failed in ensuring a ceasefire, the majority of the global community unites in solidarity with Gaza.
“Over 27,000 Palestinians have been murdered, each with a name, history, and dreams that must not be forgotten. With 70 percent of homes destroyed, the madness of this conflict leaves us questioning where it will lead and how it will ultimately end.
“The world's collective outcry echoes the urgent need for change and justice in the face of this devastating crisis," he said.
Ms Dee Utting of the Solidarity Campaign said, “There are 20,000 people in our beautiful city of Sligo. That's the number of women and children that have been slaughtered since last October in Gaza. Look around. Imagine every single person in this city: gone. That's what has happened in a few months in Gaza. This isn't ‘ethnic cleansing’ it's mass slaughter – murder - genocide.”
Emma Hendrick, People before Profit, said, “We won't take lectures from Genocide Joe on human rights, democracy or justice when he is funding, protecting and contributing to the Israeli terrorist state.
“Ireland is in a unique position every March 17 when the media of the world is watching. Let's not Paddywash Genocide Joe. Let's not give bowls of shamrock and shake blood-soaked hands.
“Our political leaders should not have the audacity to believe their good word in Joe's Biden’s ear will stop the horror that Israel is inflicting on the people in Gaza.
“Their presence at the White House on March 17th legitimises Biden and his backing of genocide,” she said.
Cllr Gino O’Boyle, who introduced the speakers, paid tribute to all those who had participated in the march and called for continued support for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.