People of Cork asked to turnout in ‘massive numbers’ for rally to support ceasefire in Gaza

The people of Cork have been asked to turnout in “massive numbers” this Saturday for what will be the city’s seventh weekly rally in support of a ceasefire in Gaza.

At a press conference in the Imperial Hotel held on Tuesday morning, Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC), demanded a total ceasefire not just a humanitarian pause.

“We think it’s particularly important at this stage [that people take to the streets] because there is the possibility that there might be a temporary ceasefire announced in the next couple of days, however, that would be completely unacceptable – it has to be a permanent ceasefire,” co-chair of CPSC, Martin Shiel, told The Echo.

“And the international community, including Ireland, can play a particular important role here in pushing for a political settlement.” 

Mr Shiel said the rallies in Cork city over the past six weeks have seen upwards of 1,000 people marching each week.

“There has been a really strong reaction from Irish people to this.

“From our viewpoint, it’s almost like we’re not organising this at all, it’s that people are just demanding that there be protests.

“Six weekends in a row with over a thousand people marching on an issue. When has that last happened?” 

The rally on Saturday takes place at 1pm, with the group assembling outside the City Library on Grand Parade.

Co-chair of CPSC, Kathy Glavanis, is hoping people will once again show support.

“We’ve been really very pleased with the way in which the people of Cork have come out and supported our demos and rallies for the last six weeks and we hope that they’ll be there on Saturday,” she said.

Meanwhile, Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry, said a total ceasefire is needed now to end the bloodshed.

“We need far, far, far more than a so-called humanitarian pause of a few days’ duration.

“What we need is a complete and total ceasefire – an end to the bloodshed, an end to the massacres... w e’re calling on the people of Cork to come out in massive numbers now this Saturday to demand exactly that and add to the pressure that’s building all around the world,” he said.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, described it as “crucially important” that people support Saturday’s rally.

“The slaughter that is happening in Gaza is absolutely heartbreaking… we need a ceasefire.

“The slaughter that is happening of countless, innocent people is unconscionable,” he said.

Izzadeen Alkarajeh, owner of the popular Izz Café, described Israeli action in Gaza as a “savage assault”.

“The population of Gaza are showing remarkable resilience.

“We need a total ceasefire and a lifting of the blockade with freedom of movement,” he added.

Palestinian campaigner, Rola Hamed-O Neill, who was also at the press conference, added:

“We’re asking for an immediate ceasefire now in Israel and Palestine and also we’re asking for humanitarian and medical aid to be able to enter Gaza."

Also taking place this weekend, Clonakilty For Gaza will hold a candle-lit rally in solidarity with the people of Gaza on Saturday at 5pm in Clonakilty’s Astna Square.

A spokesperson for Clonakilty For Gaza, Dominic Carroll, said:

“Every protest in every town in every country is fused into a single, worldwide demand for a ceasefire.

“We encourage the people of Clonakilty and surrounding areas to add their voice to the call for an immediate end to the war.”