Thirteenth consecutive march for Palestine
A demonstration in support of Palestine is scheduled for this Saturday, the thirteenth in as many weeks.
The protest, spearheaded by The Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC), is set to take place at 1pm at the City Library on Grand Parade. Demonstrations have taken place for the last 12 Saturdays in the city, and despite adverse weather conditions last weekend, organisers estimated that over 800 people participated in the most recent rally.
Speaking about the rallies, CPSC Co-Chairperson Martin Shiel said that it is his intention to proceed with the peaceful marches. “We will continue with our weekly rallies and demonstrations for the foreseeable future as there is a clear demand from the Cork public, as they continue to turn up week after week in unprecedented numbers,” he told the Cork Independent.
When asked about the ongoing effectiveness of the rallies after 12 weeks, he emphasised that they are still having a real impact, saying that they receive widespread coverage both in national and international media. “They are effective as they allow Cork people to show solidarity with the people of Palestine. Our activities in Ireland are covered by Al Jazeera and circulate widely on social media in Palestine and are appreciated,” he said.
“Ongoing protests puts pressure on local politicians to take further action for Palestine. They need to keep going as the genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank is ongoing and intensifying,” he added.
He mentioned that they plan to escalate their efforts in the upcoming year, and will implementing various initiatives. “We will be ramping up our campaign in the New Year with a number of BDS' (boycott disinvestment sanctions),” he said.
The marches are the latest in a slew of campaigning actions and solidarity demonstrations that have been taking place across Cork over the Christmas period as people showed their solidarity with Palestine. New Year’s Eve vigils in over 30 locations across the country, along with a 24 hour outdoor fast outside City Hall were some of the other events which took place. Further marches in support of Palestine are planned at The Lighthouse, Youghal at 2pm on 6 January and at The Courthouse Midleton, at 2pm on Sunday 7 January.
Meanwhile, in a statement released earlier this week, President Michael D Higgins has said it’s not "morally acceptable to be indifferent” to the suffering of the people of Gaza. "In order for 2024 to see the beginning of the process of recovery for all those who have been so devastated by the events of recent months, it is incumbent on all nations to redouble their efforts for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and to set about the tasks of achieving a lasting peace, one which can allow the Palestinian people to realise their rights alongside those of a secure Israel. It is not morally acceptable to be indifferent,” President Higgins said. He added that war is “not the natural condition of humanity, cooperation is. We cannot be indifferent as we watch daily the loss of life that is appearing on our screens”.