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Several hundred people attending a vigil to mark 12 months of the ongoing conflict in Gaza in Newry City yesterday, 2 October, heard Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes say that inaction was not an option and that the world can no longer turn a blind eye "to this searing barbarity."
Mr Hughes told the gathering, “Israel has murdered more than 40,000 Palestinian men, women and children in their genocidal campaign against Gaza.
"As they have purposefully extended their illegal attacks to Lebanon, it has become grossly apparent that the goal of the Israeli government is an all-out regional war.
"Inaction is not an option- the world cannot turn a blind eye to this searing barbarity. It is way past time for the international community to act and take meaningful action to enforce a ceasefire”.
The MP also urged those in attendance to continue to play their part in standing up for Palestine.
He said, “I know you all will continue to play your part in standing up for Palestine - we will continue to lobby those in power, join demonstrations wherever we can, boycott Israeli products and use our voice - we won’t rest until Palestine is at peace and Palestine is free."
Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins speaking at the event echoed her colleagues sentiments. “Too many innocent lives have been lost. Too many children have suffered. The root cause is the occupation, annexation and apartheid regime imposed by Israel. It is way past time for the international community to act and take meaningful action to enforce a ceasefire by all actors.”
