A protest was held in Kilkenny on Tuesday evening against the recent Israeli attacks in international waters on the humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
The protesters consisted of local politicians, clergy members and civilians who are angry at the recent action taken by the Israelis that resulted in several civilian fatalities.
In a letter to the Israeli Ambassador Zion Evrony who resides in Dublin, Mayor Malcolm Noonan expressed his disgust at the attacks this week.
Mayor Noonan said, “it is with a deep sense of dismay and disbelief that I write to you as Mayor of Kilkenny to express the sentiments of the people I represent in Kilkenny city regarding the storming of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza and the unnecessary loss of life which ensued during the incident.”
Mayor Noonan added that he was very concerned for the safety of five Irish citizens in Israel following the boarding of the ship who are now currently being detained and he called on the office of the Ambassador to have the Irish citizens released from custody.
“Many Kilkenny citizens have asked me to write to you to articulate their revulsion at the excessive use of force and killing of humanitarian aid workers. I would join with our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin in stating that the response of the Israeli commandos was excessive and disproportionate.
“Regardless of the intention of the state of Israel, this incident is completely at odds with international law and it constitutes an act of unprovoked violence against innocent people involved in a humanitarian mission.
“I will be calling on my colleagues in the Government of Ireland and local TD’s in this constituency to seek an international, independent and transparent inquiry into the incident.
“I conclude by saying to you that the citizens of Kilkenny like citizens throughout the Republic of Ireland are appalled by the incident.”
Hs letter was followed by a vigil which took place at City Hall on Tuesday night which Mayor Noonan pointed out was not against the State of Israel but a vigil of peace.
“Violence achieves nothing and this use of force will only spark a renewed cycle of attacks on both sides. I urge you Ambassador to use your diplomatic office to call on the Israeli Government to make every effort to pursue peaceful means, to treat the people of Gaza with humanity and to open crossings for humanitarian aid,” concluded Mayor Noonan.
