Tyrone support for the people of Palestine

A PROTEST in support of the Palestinian people was held in Tyrone on Saturday afternoon, amid escalating violence in the Middle East.

The rally, organised by the Omagh branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was held outside the town’s courthouse.

James Doody, a spokesperson for the local branch, said the protest had been organised in response to the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Mr Doody said it also marked the anniversary of the ‘Nakba’ in May 1948, when 700,000 Palestinians were driven out of what was to become Israel.

The group spokesperson claimed the Israeli government was not engaged in a war, but “one-sided attacks on the civilian population” of Gaza.

He said, “At least 15 times more Palestinians than Israelis have been killed. The Palestinian dead include 27 children. These attacks are taking place against Gaza, which is one of the poorest and most overcrowded areas of the world.”

Mr Doody said the protesters were proud to stand with the many Jewish Israelis who are standing up to their own government.

“This is not about race or religion,” he said.

“It is about opposing a crime against humanity, standing against the bombing of defenceless civilians. I am proud that Omagh has added our voice to say – stop the slaughter.”