Some of Ulster’s best known GAA figures have thrown their weight behind a protest march through Belfast to highlight the plight of Palestinian civilians impacted by Israel’s military onslaught in Gaza.
Former All-Ireland champion and Tyrone great Peter Canavan is one of 26 current and former Tyrone players to sign a letter calling for a ceasefire in the conflict-torn region.
The group, which includes former Red Hand stars Eugene McKenna, Chris Lawn and Pascal Canavan, has called on GAA supporters to wear their club and county colours during this weekend’s ‘Gaels Against Genocide’ parade.
The county’s current crop of players, including, Paudie Hampsey, Niall Devlin and Tiarnan Quinn have also shown solidarity with Palestinian civilians along with members of the woman’s squad.
A letter has been sent to all clubs in Tyrone urging support for Saturday’s parade.
Set up by grassroots GAA members the group has previously called for an end to the Israeli military campaign against Hamas.
Around 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since last October.
Despite international pressure Israeli authorities have refused to call a permanent ceasefire.
The group launched the current operation after around 1,200 people were killed during a Hamas-led attack inside Israeli territory last October, during which around 200 hostages were taken.
The GAA and Gaelic Players Association have recently backed calls for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.
In a statement the past and present Tyrone players referenced the recent support shown by GAA authorities.
“Every man woman and child have a natural sense of justice,” the statement said.
“We instinctively know when something is wrong.
“In this case, the evidence is there for all to see.
“Every time we lift our phones we see, hear, and read about it.
“What is happening in Palestine is horrendous. Don’t turn a blind eye to it. Do your bit. Play your part.”
Michael Doherty from Gaels Against Genocide said ahead of Saturday’s parade:
“Although Gaels Against Genocide are organising this and we have clubs from across the 32 counties attending the march it really is open to everybody.”
Saturday’s parade will leave Writer’s Square at 2pm before travelling to Belfast City Hall.
