1,000 protest in Dublin at Israel's attack on 'Freedom Flotilla'

Over 1000 demonstrators gathered in Dublin’s city centre yesterday to protest against the killing of activists bringing aid to Gaza. Such global  comdemnation of an international event has not been seen since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. By Denise O’ Riordan

Nineteen passengers were killed in the early hours of Monday morning when their boat, part of the Freedom Flotilla, was raided by armed and masked Israeli commandoes. The raid took place on international waters.

Yesterday the Ireland Solidarity Campaign along with other groups organised a protest demonstration in Dublin city centre.

The protest began at the Spire on O’ Connell St. before proceeding through the city centre to the Israeli embassy.

Speaking at the protest was Lord Mayor of Dublin Emer Costello and ICTU President Jack O’ Connor.

Also speaking were Aengus O Snodaigh TD and Chris Andrews TD, both of whom were refused access to the flotilla by the Cypriot authorities after coming under severe pressure from Israel.

Other groups present included Sinn Fein, the Social Workers Party, SIPTU, and the Irish Anti-War Movement.

Cheered by the crowd, speakers at the event called for sanctions to put on Israel and for the Israeli ambassador to be deported from Ireland.

“There needs to be an investigation into what happened today and a permanent solution needs to be found,” Emer Costello said.

A spokesperson for the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign said that the events of yesterday morning were proof that Israel does not care about human rights. “We demand an end to the blockade of Gaza,” she said.

Chris Andrews TD said that those responsible for the deaths must be held accountable.

“This attack took place in international waters. This fact cannot be disputed and therefore there must be an international response. Nothing short of a full independent investigation led or overseen by the UN will be acceptable,” he said.

Jack O’ Connor, ICTU President, said it was a sad evening in Dublin and a sad evening for humanity.

“We are here in solidarity with Palestine, Gaza, and with those in Israel who oppose what is being done in their name,” he said.

The protest then moved through the city, chanting “free free Gaza” and “free free Palestine”.

Demonstrators waved Palestinian and Turkish flags, a reminder that most of those killed were Turkish citizens.

Aaron Lewis, from England, and who is half-Saudi Arabian, said he was attending the protest in solidarity with those who did not have the freedom to protest.

“I’m here because of my roots,” he said, “But I’m also here because I’m a humanitarian.”

“I think everyone has the right to freedom no matter what their colour, creed or religion,” he added.

Jenny Hauser, from Germany, said she was at the protest because she was shocked to find out that people delivering aid were murdered.

“If any doubt remained about Israel’s intentions to brutalise and kill people in Gaza and anyone coming in their way, then that was wiped out this morning,” she said.

“To my mind they’re criminals ruling a country and should be treated as such,” she said.

Similar protests took place across the country and around the world.