The Derry Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has called on people to bring Palestinian flags to this weekend’s St Patrick’s Day parades to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
IPSC chairwoman Catherine Hutton re-iterated calls for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland as the death toll in Gaza passed 30,000. Israeli Defence Forces invaded the Palestinian enclave after Hamas fighters launched attacks on October 7 last year, killing 1,269 Israelis as well as taking hostages.
Ms Hutton said it was “troubling” that Irish political representatives were travelling to the US this weekend to “extend cordial gestures and exchange shamrocks,” saying the traditional St Patrick’s Day visit was providing cover for President Joe Biden’s support for Israel.
“Should our elected officials persist in disregarding our calls for action, we must exercise our democratic prerogative to ensure that they are held accountable,” Ms Hutton said.
Echoing recent calls for Palestinian flags to be flown at GAA matches, Ms Hutton urged people to fly the Palestinian colours at St Patrick’s Day events here.
“Let us show the Palestinian people of Gaza, occupied West Banks and East Jerusalem that we stand with them on our national day,” Ms Hutton said.
