Sinn Féin activists undertake symbolic Gaza trek to Derry

SINN FÉIN activists took to the streets on Saturday in a symbolic walk from Castlederg to Free Derry Corner as part of a fundraising initiative in support of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society.

The 25-mile trek was representative of the Gaza Strip, itself 25 miles long and the local walk was also completed to help raise awareness of the plight of the Gazans.

Since the war began on October 7 last year, thousands of Palestinians have been killed or found themselves displaced from homes throughout the Strip.

Commenting following the event Maolíosa McHugh MLA said, “The highly visible nature of the symbolic event, primarily along the main A5, was an effective means of highlighting the plight of the people of Gaza and the West Bank at the hands of this genocidal Israeli regime.

“Participants were met with constant blaring horns from passing motorists right along the 25-mile route which is a powerful reflection of just how strongly people feel about the situation.

“This local event, one of many undertaken by Sinn Féin activists throughout Ireland over the weekend, will provide much needed funds to assist the on the ground work of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society.

“A heartfelt thanks to everyone who sponsored the participants and who have supported the efforts of this charity.”

A glimmer of hope came this week in the form of a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unopposed by USA who has previously used their permanent veto within the organisation to strike down any resolution.

Mr McHugh welcomed the resolution saying, “This week the UN Security Council has at long last voted to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. While welcome, the international community must now impose immediate sanctions on Israel while the genocide on Gaza and the occupation and apartheid against the Palestinian people continues.”