Derry protest demanding end to Israeli attacks on Gaza

According to Derry branch of  the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign  (DISPC) estimates, more than 1,000 people attended its recent protest Free Derry Corner in the city.

Speaking to Derry Now, Catherine Hutton, chairperson of DISPC, said the protest on Tuesday evening was " to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza who are facing a brutal Israeli onslaught.

She added: "The people attending the Derry protest, waved Palestinian flags and banners, chanted slogans and listened to speeches.

"The protest was part of a global campaign to demand an end to the repeated Israeli attacks on Gaza, which this time has killed more than 1000 Palestinians, including 100s children, and injured 4,000 plus civilians since October 7. 

"The IPSC also called for the Irish government and the international community to impose economic sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, and to support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israeli apartheid."

Speaking at the protest, Ms Hutton said: “We are here today to stand with our Palestinian brothers and sisters who are facing a genocidal attack by the Israeli occupation forces. We are here to say that we will not be silent while Israel commits war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. 

"We are here to demand that our government takes action to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and human rights.”

Ms Hutton also denounced the complicity of the US, UK and the European Union in supporting Israel’s aggression, saying: 

“These governments are not only providing Israel with diplomatic cover, but also with weapons and money that enable it to continue its oppression and colonization of Palestine.

"They are also blocking any meaningful action by the UN Security Council to stop the bloodshed and protect the civilians in Gaza. They are part of the problem, not the solution.”

As the protest ended, the protesters then marched through the city centre, chanting “Free Palestine” and “ From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free."

DISPC also asked for people to donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians Emergency Appeal at: https://www.map.org.uk/.

Catherine Hutton added: "DIPSC will continue to organize more actions and events in support of Palestine until Israel ends its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

"We also invited everyone who cares about justice and peace to join its efforts and become part of the global solidarity movement for Palestine."