A march in support of Palestinians in Gaza is to be held along the symbolic route of the historic October 5 1968 Northern Ireland Civil Rights’ march in Derry on Saturday.
Organised by the Derry Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), the march from the railway station at Duke Street to Guildhall Square (12pm) is part of an international day of action for Palestine. The march and rally are being supported by all nationalist and republican political parties as well as People before Profit, GAA clubs in the area and other organisations.
The October 5 1968 civil rights’ march is considered by many people as the start of the Troubles. The march in support of civil rights, which had been joined by several British Labour Party MPs, was attacked by the RUC at Duke Street. Television footage of police baton charging and attacking MPs and marchers were shown around the world, focusing attention on the discrimination within Northern Ireland.
IPSC spokeswoman, Catherine Hutton called for action to be taken against the Israeli government over its war in Gaza. The Israeli Defence Force launched a war in Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7 which killed more than 1,200 Israelis, many civilians, and more than 200 hostages were taken
“We stand with people all over the world in demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza,” Ms Hutton said.
And she called on the Irish government to support a case brought to the United Nations’ Court of Justice by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. She also condemned the US government’s role in supporting Israel.
“We are actively campaigning for all our politicians to boycott the White House this St Patrick’s Day. The people of Derry have shown incredible solidarity with Palestine,” she said.
Ms Hutton urged people attending the march to bring a doll or white pillow and pillowcase to represent the thousands of children killed since the Gaza war started.
