3,000 people at Newry march for Palestine, say organisers

The speakers were IPSC Newry Chairperson Marc Mac Seáin, IPSC Armagh Chairperson Dermot Kelly, Palestine Aid’s John Hurson and Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine’s Dr Fíonna McDonald.

Commenting on the march on behalf of IPSC Newry, Marc Mac Seáin states: “It was amazing to see the support for the Palestinian people shown across the region as we marched and specifically in Newry where the atmosphere was electric as we entered the town with a crowd of around 3,000.

“Specifically we were heartened to see that our cause was embraced by all backgrounds despite seldom pitiful minority reactionary counter protests.

“Our clear demands to end Western complicity, for our governments & politicians were met with thunderous applause in our rallies and cheers when we passed supporters along the march route. It’s not enough for politicians to have sympathy for Gazans or say they support the cause. We need full sanctions, an end to the arms trade through Ireland along with complete financial, economic & diplomatic cutting of ties with Israel & its accomplices in apartheid & genocide.

“Mealy mouthed press releases & parliamentary speeches without action behind them from all our governing parties are worthless. Ending this genocide & dismantling Israel requires substantive action for solidarity.”

There will be a Palestine fundraiser quiz in Denvir’s pub in Downpatrick on Thursday, June 12 at 8pm and a march in Newcastle on Saturday, June 21 at 1pm.