Council backs Palestine and BDS campaign

Sinn Féin Councillor Christopher Jackson has welcomed the backing by Derry City and Strabane District council for his party’s motion which called on the Council to affirm its backing for the Palestinian people its backing for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign.

Council also agreed to investigate the “most practical means” of implementing the BDS campaign.

Councillor Jackson said: “It’s good news that Derry City and Strabane District Council has supported the motion in support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign.

“And that the Council investigates the most practical means of implementing this BDS Campaign.

"We have a duty to stand up for the Palestinian people and people in this city and district have done so on many occasions.

“Talk is not enough – we need action. A simple way to make a real difference is to sign up to the BDS Campaign.

“Sinn Féin have met with the campaign leaders and know that it is working.

“A cultural, academic and economic boycott of Israel is the most effective peaceful way of bringing that about.”

He concluded: "We need to send a clear message to the Israeli Government we will not stand for the catalogue of human rights abuse currently taking place in occupied Palestine.”