Newry vigil for Gaza

SINN FÉIN representatives Conor Murphy MP and Councillor Dáire Hughes have addressed a vigil held at Newry Town Hall on Tuesday night in support of the people of Gaza.

Over 500 people attended the event, which was arranged by a group of local women with just 48 hours promotion on social media.

Speaking from the Town Hall, Conor Murphy said:

“People from Ireland and particularly people from this area know what it is like to live under oppression and we understand the terror which the Palestinian people live with daily.

“We are here this evening in solidarity with them and to show the world that we recognise the right of the Palestinians to defend themselves.”

Thanking people for attending, Conor Murphy added:

“We have all had to give up some of our time to be here tonight but let’s compare that to the 58-second warning a Palestinian family might have that their home is about to be attacked.

“Coming here tonight is significant but we must continually send the message that we are against the ongoing siege of Gaza until the day that illegal siege is lifted and the attacks on Palestinian civilians end.”

Mayor of Newry Dáire Hughes, who recently spent a number of months in Palestine, added:

“The international community must unite against the relentless attacks on Palestinian men, women and children. 

“Palestine must be allowed to trade freely with other countries and basic services such as water and electricity must be immediately restored.

“The oppression of Palestine must end and the international community needs to make it clear to Israel that their actions are unjustifiable and will not be tolerated.”

Michelle Garrett of the Irish Friends of Palestine group also spoke at the event.