Derry IPSC encourage public to attend Al Quds Day

The Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Derry have described overnight events in Gaza as 'criminal and grotesque.'

The group were responding after Israel began to once more launch huge waves of airstrikes on Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was targeting what it called "terror targets" belonging to Hamas.

Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in Gaza and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in the territory, has reportedly been killed in a strike.

This is the largest wave of airstrikes in Gaza since the ceasefire began on January 19. Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement.

Derry IPSC spokesperson Catherine Hutton has called on the people of Derry to join a protest in the city centre on Sunday, March 23: "We woke this morning to the news that over 300 people died after being bombed from the air by Israel.

"These are people without even the protection of a building to shelter in. These are people who have been made refugees multiple times due to Israeli aggression.

"Israeli bombs dropped on the most vulnerable people in the world, massacring children to further the genocidal aims of Israel, USA and Britain.

"Anyone who has a shred of decency and compassion has woke up horrified, angry and utterly dismayed at the new slaughter carried out by Israel.

"We call on the people of Derry to come out and howl with rage and solidarity at the Al Quds Day - Stand With Palestine event on Sunday, March 23 at 12.30pm in Guildhall Square.

"From this event we will send a clear message that we stand in unshakeable solidarity with the Palestinian people, with refugees and the victims of war."