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£5,000 has been raised for the Palestinian Medical Relief Society by Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin following a ‘Saoirse don Phalaistín’ event in March.
The event was addressed by Sinn Féin’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Matt Carthy TD, Palestinian medic, activist and journalist Mohammed Samaana, Councillors Aoife Finnegan and Sarah Duffy, and Sinn Féin Deputy General Secretary Dáire Hughes.
Dáire Hughes, who was also one of the organisers of the event, said “This is further proof, if ever it was needed, that the people of Newry and Armagh stand with the people of Palestine.
“We are rightly horrified at the scenes unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, as Israel’s genocidal aggression continues.
“It’s well past time for a complete ceasefire and the creation of an international process to bring about a sustainable peace and a viable, free Palestinian state.
“The Irish Government must lead on this. Recent talk of recognising the state of Palestine is welcome, but action is now needed.”
Dáire, a former Mayor of Newry and Mourne who spent the summer of 2011 teaching in Palestine, continued;
“Whilst it’s easy to feel powerless watching the horror unfold, it’s important to remember that acts of solidarity work. Pressure moves the powerful, and people in Palestine see our support.
“I’d like to thank all those people and organisations who supported this initiative and donated generously.
“The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is enormous and your support is greatly appreciated. It’s important that we continue to demonstrate our solidarity with Palestine in whatever way we can.”
