Healthcare workers to hold vigil for Gaza

Since the beginning of Israel’s assault on Gaza several hundred healthcare workers have been killed by Israeli forces and over 1,000 have been injured.

A staff member within Daisy Hill has been warned for raising awareness of local Palestine solidarity events and so the protest is also in solidarity with any such workers facing repercussions for standing up to Genocide.

Deirdre Murphy, Staff Nurse in Daisy Hill, said: “Israel’s assault has destroyed most of the hospitals and healthcare centres in Gaza at a time when there has never been more need for their services.

"Hundreds of healthcare workers have been held captive and tortured, such as Dr. Adnan Al Bursh, the head of the orthopaedic department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, murdered in a prison in the West Bank in April.

"Mass graves have been found outside hospitals and war crimes have clearly been committed. Because of Israel’s blocking of food, fuel and medical supplies, amputations from bombing injuries are being carried out without anaesthetic, including children.

"There is no pain relief or anaesthetic for severe burn victims or women undergoing C sections. Disease is spreading quickly among malnourished and starving children and infants.

‘We are calling on healthcare workers here to attend this vigil to stand in solidarity with the healthcare workers of Gaza and for the community of Newry and the wider area to come to show their support for the Palestinian people, who are suffering an ongoing genocide.’

The vigil is supported by Unison, Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Trade Union Friends of Palestine, Belfast. Those seeking to attend are asked to assemble at the ED exit.

Another vigil will take place at Marcus Square in Newry at 7pm on Friday organised by Parents for Palestine Newry and Mourne.