Palestinian journalist highlights plight of homeland at rally

A STRONG showing of solidarity with the people of Gaza took centre stage in Dungannon on Saturday when a diverse crowd gathered for a pro-Palestine demonstration.

Among the notable speakers was Palestinian journalist Yousef Al Helou, who expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the people of Ireland while also highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinians.

He was joined on stage by former MP and civil rights campaigner, Bernadette McCalliskey, as well as Dungannon man, John Hurson who has travelled to Palestine multiple times bringing aid to both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Addressing the crowd, Al Helou conveyed his appreciation, stating, “The Palestinian people are some of the most resilient people on earth. We have been under the most brutal occupiers and colonisers of the last 75 years.”

Mr Al Helou, who hails from Gaza and has dedicated decades to journalism, lamented the destruction witnessed in his homeland, saying, “Gaza is a beautiful place with attractions, but everything is being destroyed in front of our eyes.”

Furthermore, he criticised Irish politicians for meeting with President Biden during St Patrick’s Day festivities, asserting, “The people of Palestine are very disappointed that Irish politicians would meet with Joe Biden who supports what is happening in Gaza.

“Biden is not a friend to the Palestinian people and has refused to support any sort of caesefire that would save many lives.”

Organiser, John Hurson expressed satisfaction with the turnout despite the inclement weather, noting, “There was a couple of hundred people out and I think that is a great attendance considering how wet it was.”