Protest in Solidarity with Freedom Waves at 6pm today
A protest will take place at 6pm at the Spire, O’Connell St., Dublin in solidarity with the MV Saoirse and Tahrir intercepted by the Israeli navy 48 miles from Gaza.
Richard Boyd Barrett TD calls on the Irish government to intervene immediately and to demand the safety of passengers aboard the MV Saoirse.
At 10.58 am (Irish time) Dr. Fintan Lane, who is aboard the MV Saoirse, alerted the the Irish Ship to Gaza campaign here in Dublin via satellite phone to say that two Israeli warships were rapidly approaching the MV Saoirse and Canadian boat the MV Tahrir.
At approximately 11.15am the ship had radio contact from the Israeli’s demanding to know their destination and after that there has been no communication with the MV Saoirse.
Richard Boyd Barrett TD calls on the Irish government to intervene immediately and to demand the safety of passengers aboard the MV Saoirse. People Before Profit Councillor Hugh Lewis from Ballybrack in Dublin (pictured below).
In response to the claims by the Israeli embassy here in Dublin that the mission was a publicity stunt, Richard Boyd Barrett TD said,
"There can be no doubt that the plight of the ordinary innocent people living in Gaza is becoming more and more difficult every day as a result of the Israeli blockade. Even the UN agency responsible for food aid has said the situation is rapidly becoming an emergency".
"The international community is ignoring the situation and that is why 46 civil society groups in Palestine put out a call for international solidarity. It is not a publicity stunt to respond to this".
"There have also been protests in Ramallah and other towns in Palestine which are set to continue today in solidarity with the two boats. White armbands have also been distributed in Gaza as symbols of solidarity with the activists attempting to bring aid to the besieged population".
For info/comment:
Richard Boyd Barrett TD 086 0867814520
Cllr Melisa Halpin 086 3805793