‘Bridgil’ for Palestine attracts large crowds on Derry's Peace Bridge

A large crowd has attended a pro-Palestinian event on Derry's Peace Bridge this evening.

The 'Bridgil' was organised by the Derry branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) to highlight the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Catherine Hutton, chair of the Derry ISPC branch, said: “Today we are taking part in a 32-county campaign in which vigils are being held on bridges around Ireland. 

Large Palestine flag on Derry's Peace Bridge

"We are trying to keep Rafah, Gaza and Palestine in general at the forefront of people’s minds and keep the momentum going, especially after May 26, last Sunday, when there was another huge massacre in Rafah. 

"We have seen scenes nobody has been prepared to see, horrific images for which people are rightly outraged. For me, this is a show of solidarity, but it’s also a way of giving people in Derry and around the country a focus, and somewhere they can express their horror, their outrage and their solidarity.

"It’s getting to the stage now where, yes, it feels like you’re doing the same things over and over again, but we can’t let up, because people-power is changing things. It might be slow, but it is starting to change. We can see it in the events that we hold here in Derry and the protests that we hold. People are more engaged and there's definitely a shift in attitudes, even going up the line from politicians and in the media. We just think it’s so important for us to continue doing this.

"Today is a day of bridge vigils around the country, and it’s a great way of showing collective solidarity.”

Gemma Meenan with Daisy Mules at the 'Bridgil'.

Speaking of Derry’s historic solidarity with and support towards Palestine, Catherine said: “The support of the people of Derry has been second to none, there are times I say ‘we’re preaching to the choir’, but I would say that’s not giving credit where it’s due, because the people of Derry and organisations in Derry have always been 100% behind the people of Palestine, especially since October 7.

"People have worked really hard and supported us, and come on board - our branch has grown. Derry is a beacon of hope. People in Palestine have said that Derry is a place to emulate.”

Some of the those who attended the event.