Mayo Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

SOLIDARITY WITH GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLA IN CASTLEBAR

Published: 3 June, 2010

More than 100 people attended a Solidarity Vigil with Palestine and the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in Castlebar on Tuesday last organised by Mayo Sinn Féin. The families of Derek and Jenny Graham from Ballina, Co. Mayo received a warm welcome and messages of support for the safe passage to Gaza of the MV Rachel Corrie to deliver its vital humanitarian supplies. The MV Rachel Corrie is carrying children's toys, school equipment, including pencils, and cement for reconstruction, all of which is denied by the Israeli authorities."

Addressing the crowd, Cllr. Ruane said:

"Our thoughts are with the families of those who died in this outrageous attack. This attack by Israeli military forces on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla has shocked and horrified people across the world. The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is a humanitarian aid mission carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to the besieged city of Gaza, which has been subject to an illegal blockade for more than 18 months now.

"I'd particularly welcome the families and friends of Derek and Jenny Graham are in our thoughts and we wish them both safe passage to Gaza on the Rachel Corrie to deliver the aid collected throughout Mayo and Ireland for the besieged city of Gaza. "

"We stood here Castlebar in this same spot 18 months ago condemning the onslaught of Gaza where 1400 people were killed and Gaza reduced to rubble. The recent murderous attack took place in international waters, in breach of international law. The response of the international community must be firm and resolute.Condemnation is not enough. We need action to ensure that Israeli actions such as this unjustified attack on the high seas and the horrific military onslaught against Gaza a year-and-a-half ago will continue.

"The blockade of the Gaza strip is illegal. The boarding of the flotilla was illegal. The separation wall is illegal and the construction of settlements on stolen Palestinian land is illegal. Sinn Féin are calling for the immediate ending of the seige of Gaza; an intensive program of reconstruction and economic development in Gaza and an end to the illegal occupation of the West Bank and the building of illegal settlements on Palestinian land. At home in Mayo and Ireland, we are calling for a trade boycott of Israeli goods."

"Out of this awfulness it is vital that something positive emerges - that some good comes. That means ensuring that the Israeli government changes its policy towards the people of Palestine".