Gaza vigil held in Cork today: report
cork |
rights, freedoms and repression |
news report 
Sunday December 27, 2009 21:11
by Fintan Lane - IPSC media officer
087 1258325
A vigil was held on Patrick's Bridge in Cork city this afternoon to mark the beginning of the Gaza massacre last year. More than 1,400 people - including over 300 children - were killed by Israeli forces during the onslaught.
Today's vigil was intended as a mark of respect for the dead but also as an act of solidarity with the living.
Cllr Mick Barry (left), Cllr Ted Tynan (centre) and Cllr Chris O'Leary (right) on Cork's vigil for Gaza today
Those present were mindful that the Gaza humanitarian aid convoy - which includes an ambulance and helpers from Cork itself - remains stranded on the Jordan/Egyptian border and is being refused permission to continue to the Rafah crossing into Gaza. The aid convoy was meant to enter Gaza today.
Similarly, the Egyptian authorities have acted to frustrate the 'Gaza Freedom March' that was planned for 31 December. In facet, international delegates travelling to the march, including members of the IPSC, have been stopped from entering Gaza. Several delegates were briefly detained by police today.
The Cork vigil was well attended and among those present were three members of Cork City Council: Cllr Mick Barry (Socialist Party), Cllr Chris O'Leary (independent) and Cllr Ted Tynan (Workers' Party).
