A pro-Palestine demonstration in Dublin has criticized US help for Israel‘s navy offensive in Gaza and referred to as on the Irish authorities to do extra to assist Palestinians.
Large pink banners had been stretched out round Barnardo Square on Dame Street to symbolise US President Joe Biden’s “non-existent red line” in relation to Rafah in southern Gaza, the place hundreds of Palestinians have been searching for refuge.
Biden mentioned in March it will be “a red line” for his administration if the Israeli navy had been to invade Rafah, however then added “… but I’m never going to leave Israel”.
Zoe Lawlor, of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, mentioned that after Biden’s “red line” remark, Israel “proceeded to bomb the refugee camps, burning dozens of Palestinians alive, and destroyed hospitals and murdered medical staff”.
Protesters in Dublin chanted “There never was a red line” and held indicators saying “No arms through Israel”, “Gaza is not just devastating, it is a crime”, and “Is there any crime by which our government will punish Israel?”
Aine Hayden, who was handing out leaflets saying “End US complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza”, mentioned the protest was about elevating consciousness of US involvement.
She mentioned: “They’re talking ceasefire while at the same time sending billions to fund the genocide.”
Among the passers-by on Dame Street, that Hayden provided leaflets, had been US vacationers.
“You’d love to think you could raise awareness with the Americans but you do find that they’re quite brainwashed.
“I’ve had many Americans calling me a terrorist supporter (at earlier protests).
“Where is the humanity? Because that’s what it’s about. We cannot look at these children and babies being targeted and slaughtered every single day.”
Des, from Co Wicklow, who was on the protest together with his younger son, mentioned he was there to be “on the right side of history”.
He mentioned: “People aren’t doing enough. America isn’t doing enough and even our own government isn’t doing enough.
“It’s simply disgusting what is going on on, the quantity of harmless individuals dying.”
Former RTE producer Betty Purcell told the PA news agency that Ireland can do more through boycotts and sanctions.
She said: “We have a Taoiseach who mentioned he spends each single day questioning what extra he can do for Palestine. It’s quite simple, he can begin by passing the Occupied Territories Bill, the arms embargo Bill, the Israeli divestment settlements Bill.
“If he was to do this, it would be a clear message both to the US and to Europe that Ireland really wants to do something. Not just stand around looking anguished. We’ve done that long enough.
“It will affect America.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr