Tyrone protesters stand with Palestine

A NUMBER of protests took place at Omagh courthouse over the weekend as local people gathered to show solidarity with Palestine.

Friday and Saturday saw protesters facing the town with their red, green, white and black flags to show support for Palestinians currently trapped in the conflict.

Tensions have been rising in the region for a number of years but a suprise attack by militant group Hamas earlier this month prompted Israel to launch an all-out counter-offensive in Gaza.

Since the initial attack by Hamas, Israel has been bombing settlements in Gaza.

The protest on Friday, which saw a dozen members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Omagh branch), was organised by Anton McCabe to ‘show their horror at the mass murder being carried out in Gaza’.

Mr McCabe said, “The crime against humanity which Hamas carried out does not excuse the crime against humanity which the Israeli state is carrying out against the people of Gaza.

“We are watching the mass murder of thousands of people. Among them have been hundreds of children.

“Western governments, particularly America, are enabling that mass murder. They are providing the weapons used.”

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin organised a similar protest on Saturday, in which local politicians stood with the people of Omagh to show support for the Palestinians.

Omagh councillor Barry McElduff said that it is ‘sickening’ to see the ‘torture’ of Palestinians citizens.

Cllr McElduff said, “The Israeli assault on the people of Gaza must stop.

“The Palestinian people have endured decades of tyranny, illegal occupation, forced evictions, killing of civilians, and bombing of entire communities.

“They have had psychological torture inflicted on them. It is sickening to see that the Israeli government has received the backing of some western governments, contrary to international law.”

The councillor said that local people ‘cannot do nothing’.

Cllr McElduff said, “This is relevant to you and me in Omagh, in Tyrone and throughout Ireland.”

Calling for action, he said,“That is why we are having a protest in Omagh in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“Right now, the Israeli Army must stop their brutality and open up access to international aid organisations.

“What is also needed immediately is a complete cease-fire and political dialogue. We, in Ireland, I believe, are well-placed to offer help and advice on developing a peace process.”