Calls for Palestinian flag to fly above City Hall

There have been calls for the Palestinian flag to be flown above City Hall as an act of solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Cork Rebels For Peace, a group that celebrates diversity, inclusiveness and solidarity has said that it hopes that councillors will table an emergency motion to show support for Palestinians during the ongoing conflict with Israel.

“We contacted Cork City councillors directly with this request. We feel confident councillors would support such a motion just as they did most recently in 2021 during the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis, during which Israel bombed a refugee camp, medical facilities and residential housing,” they told the Cork Independent.

“If it was appropriate to fly the Palestinian flag over Cork City Hall in 2021, it is entirely appropriate and indeed, our duty, to do so now,” they added.

Socialist Party Cllr Brian McCarthy says that he would be in favour of such a motion.

“Personally, I would like to see the Palestinian flag flown over the City Hall as a show of solidarity and also as condemnation of what’s been done by Israel to Palestinian civilians,” he said.

He mentioned that several motions pertaining to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be tabled at the upcoming City Council meeting on 13 November.

“There will be a motion submitted by a number of councilors that will call on the Irish Government to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.

Also, if the Israeli government doesn’t halt the atrocities it is imposing on the Palestinians immediately, that the Israeli ambassador should be expelled,” he added.

Independent Cllr Lorna Bogue says that while she believes that the flag should be flown on 29 November, which marks the annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, there are also other actions the City Council can take to show their support.

“We have previously passed a motion to explore twinning with a Palestinian city. “I would like the twinning process to continue, and I would also support motions calling for Palestinian statehood to be recognised,” she said.

Meanwhile, there is a rally planned in support of Palestine this Saturday 11 November, at 1pm. Organised by the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the march will take place at Grand Parade. Rallies which have taken place in recent weeks have attracted significant crowds, with more than 1,000 people participating in last Saturday's march.

Ballincollig Palestine Solidarity have also held protests every Monday night for the past four weeks.

There will be a number of other events taking place this weekend in support of Palestine, including a Rally for Palestine at UCC on Thursday 9 November at 5pm, and a public meeting in Cobh Community Centre this Friday 10 November at 7pm.

Red FM DJ Stevie G is organising an event on Sunday 12 November. Vinyl Love for Gaza takes place in the Vicarstown bar this Sunday all day from midday, and entry is free.

“As artists and friends we feel helpless but all we can do is show solidarity and amplify our support of the Palestinians all over the world. We won’t sit back and just watch while governments the world over leave this happen,” he said.

Irish Artists For Palestine will also host a Concert For Gaza on Saturday 2 December, Live at St. Luke's. The gig will feature some of the very best of Irish talent including Declan O'Rourke, Stephanie Rainey, Jack O'Rourke and will be hosted by Tadhg Hickey. Tickets are available from eventbrite.ie