Following a failure to meet with the Taoiseach at the Moycullen / Mhaigh Cuilinn bypass on Monday, members of the Galway branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign travelled to the Dáil yesterday (Wednesday ) in an effort to deliver its ceasefire petition signed by more than 10,000 people.
Written with advice from a 'number of local experts' who are knowledgeable on the United Nations convention on genocide, the petition was launched online and in person on Friday, December 8.
"The stall on Shop St raised over 1,000 signatures in just four hours, and another 7,500 were added online over the weekend. This just shows that people are desperate to act in whatever way they can to support the people of Palestine," said co-chair of the Galway branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC ) Áine Treanor.
Taoiseach bypassed meeting
Despite their attempts, the 18 members of Galway IPSC were unable to deliver the petition to the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, while he was in Mhaigh Cuilinn / Moycullen to open the bypass on Monday, December 11
"The Irish Government are speaking out, but as a nation we could be doing a lot more. Petitions like this show that people believe we should be doing more. The decision to show up and present the petition to Leo was an effort to bring the discussion in person, outside of online and approach him in a way that was respectful. We also wanted to be respectful to the local community, especially since the opening was a big day for them."
The petition 'on behalf of the Irish public' was delivered to the Dáil by members of the IPSC, including members from the Galway branch.
"Our aim is for the Irish Government to recognise that what is going on in Gaza is a genocide and refer to it as such, resulting in the appropriate consequences and repercussions.
"We need a ceasefire and we need to end the military occupation."
Council endorse UN resolution
Local politicians, however, need no convincing on the topic. On Tuesday, December 12, Galway City Council passed a motion which endorses a UN resolution which calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
Raised by Social Democrats councillor, Alan Curran, the motion was proposed following the ongoing aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip, a narrow stretch of land that is home to over two million Palestinians.
“Over 16,000 people have been killed in only 2 months. Entire families killed while sheltering in their homes, communities destroyed, schools, hospitals and refugee camps targeted through indiscriminate airstrikes. There needs to be a cessation in military action today to stop further bloodshed," said Cllr Curran.
“The motion also expresses support for the Palestinian BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions ) movement to show solidarity, and condemns the murderous actions of Hamas on October 7.
“Galway City Council must make sure we are standing at the right side of history. Everyone with a voice for social justice and a platform of influence must use it to call for an end to this onslaught.”
