Palestinian flag flies over City Hall
The Palestinian flag is flying over City Hall today on the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Speaking about the gesture, a spokesperson for the City Council said in a statement that it “reflects the deep-felt solidarity and links between communities in Cork and in Palestine”.
“Cork City Council acknowledges the complexity of this recent crisis and considers that it would be inappropriate not to continue flying the flag on the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, at this time of great suffering,” they said.
The statement expressed Cork City Council's regret over the recent violence in Israel and Palestine. The council affirmed its support for the Irish Government's plea for a lasting humanitarian ceasefire, and emphasised that a military solution will not resolve the crisis.
“Cork City Council has built trust and an excellent working relationship with the Mission of the State of Palestine in Dublin in 2023 in order to meet the aspirations of Council motions pertaining to deepening links with a city in Palestine,” they said.
“Cork City Council remains committed to developing projects with Palestinian partners in the spirit of a practical and meaningful solidarity,” they added.
24 hour fast
A 24 hour fast in support of the Palestinian people will also take place today. The symbolic gesture is to “draw attention to the injustices faced by Palestinians and the recent attacks in Gaza,” say organisers.
The group of ten people who will participate in the fast is comprised of members from across political parties and solidarity organisations, and includes Cllr Kenneth Collins, Cllr Mick Nugent, and comedian Tadhg Hickey.
Colum Radford, whose grandfather Lar Cotter, was part of a mass hunger strike during the War of Independence, had this to say about his participation in the fast.
“We stand with the Palestinian people in their hour of need, drawing on inspiration from our own Irish martyrs who died for Irish freedom. I've witnessed this apartheid in 2016 and 2018 when I visited Palestine. We will embark on a 24 hour fast to support the Palestinians in a gesture of solidarity from here in Cork.”
The solidarity fast comes in the wake of a seventh consecutive weekly rally for Palestine at Grand Parade, which drew thousands of people last weekend. Protesters assembled at the National Monument on the South Mall for the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign march through Patrick St, Winthrop St and Oliver Plunkett St in the city centre.