Anti-war group seeks support for protest march

A broad coalition of politicians, trade unionists, anti-war activists and members of the Palestinian community in Ireland today called for thousands to join them in a demonstration this weekend protesting against Israeli's military assault on Gaza.

The protestors will gather in Dublin city centre on Saturday to urge the Government to break off diplomatic relations with Israel and press for the EU to suspend the process of upgrading of its ties with the country.

They are also calling for a blanket international boycott of Israel.

At a press conference today Labour TD Joe Costello, Mags O'Brien of Sitpu, artist Robert Ballagh, Daithí Doolan of Sinn Fein and Richard Boyd Barrett of the Irish Anti-War Movement were among those appealing for members of the public to join this weekend's demonstration.

The protestors plan to march past Dáil Eireann and on to the Israeli Embassy in Ballsbridge.

The Dublin rally will coincide with other demonstrations taking place worldwide.

Separately, Amnesty International, Trócaire and Christian Aid have jointly called on members of the public to join with them in lighting candles in memory of the men, women and children on both sides who have died since Israel’s Gaza offensive began on 27th December.

Members of the organisations will be gathering at the Grafton Street entrance to St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin at 6pm on Friday where candles will be lit to mark the death of Palestinians and Israelis who have died since the Gaza bombardment began.

“This is not about being pro-Palestine or pro-Israel,” said Amnesty International executive director Colm O’Gorman. “Human rights abuses on both sides need to be condemned. This is an opportunity for members of the public to participate in a non-partisan call for an end to violence that has left 600 people dead on both sides of the border.”