Calls at Cork march for Government to back South Africa's case against Israel

MORE than 1,000 people marched through the streets of Cork for the 14th weekend in a row in solidarity with Palestine, according to the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

As part of a Global Day of Action for Gaza, thousands of people also attended a demonstration in Dublin endorsed by more than 70 Irish civil society groups.

Martin Shiel, co-chairperson of the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said of the marches on Saturday: “The eye-watering numbers marching in Dublin and Cork today highlight Irish people’s huge desire for real action to be taken to stop Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people.

“People have been marching for 14 weeks and numbers on the streets continue to grow. The Irish Government’s refusal to formally back South Africa’s case against Israel is clearly out of step with the will of the Irish people.”

Speaking at the march, Cork North Central People Before Profit/Solidarity TD Mick Barry said: “It is very disappointing that the Irish Government did not have the guts to join South Africa in bringing forward genocide charges against Israel.

“But today’s march shows the feelings of the ordinary people on this matter. The Government must back the legal action.“