Mayo councillors express support for people in Gaza

Members of Mayo County Council expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza and reiterated a call for an end to the violence in the region.

Members of a Mayo branch of the Ireland Palestinean Solidarity Group attended the annual general meeting of Mayo County Council this morning where they held plackards with 'Stop the genocide' as well as mock models of dead babies.

A number of demonstrations are taking place around Mayo to highlight the humanitarian disaster in Gaza where an estimated 60,000 people have been killed by the Israeli military. A number of councillors welcomed them to the meeting where they expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Sinn Féin councillor Gerry Murray acknowledged the presence of members of the group to the meeting and praised the campaign they continue to hold to bring justice to the people of Palestine.

READ: Advancing rural communities will be the main priority for new Mayo Cathaoirleach

“These people have campaigned since day one since this genocide started on behalf of Palestinean people and I want to show you our full support. This local authority collectively passed a motion last year calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the genocide,” he said.

The Charlestown-based councillor was supported by Claremorris-based Independent councillor Richard Finn who said that the council should be more vocal in their support of the Palestinian people.

“We support the people who are being killed and martyred every day in Gaza and we all stand with you and have no problem with that. We should be vocal about it and make sure our views are known,” he said while praising the stance taken by the Irish government on the subject.

Fianna Fáil councillor Damien Ryan told the meeting that the larger world powers need to make new efforts to bring together a two-state solution for the region which he said is the best way forward.

“I wish the big players at world level would replicate what is being advocated by the Irish government in relation to a two state solution and that is the only solution that will work out there. That is very important and we will support that,” he said.