Vigil for Palestine calls for an ‘end to the slaughter in Gaza’

“WE welcome everyone, our only objective is for peace in the Middle East and for the genocide to stop.” So stated Edward Byrne, a member of Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Carlow branch), as the group vows to maintain its weekly vigil in Carlow town centre calling for an end to the ‘slaughter’ in Gaza. 

The group has intensified its call for meaningful engagement from Oireachtas members and MEPs and in recent weeks has written to all TDs in Carlow/Kilkenny posing a series of questions and urging them to take a stance.

“The ongoing violations of human rights and international law necessitate a revaluation of our stance and actions regarding Israel’s policies and practices,” said a group spokesperson. “It is imperative that Oireachtas members take a definitive stance on these pressing issues.” 

“We held a brief protest outside Jennifer Murnane O’Connor’s office in Carlow and handed in the questionnaire … we ask for meaningful engagement and for our Oireachtas members to be aware of this situation which is unfolding,” stated Edward. “There has been a lack of engagement,” he added.

Edward confirmed that the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Carlow branch) intends to email the questionnaire to all Oireachtas members in this constituency.

The group holds a vigil every Tuesday night from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Liberty Tree and the overall reaction has been very positive from the people of Carlow. “We welcome everyone – our only objective is for peace in the Middle East and for the genocide to stop. We are solely focused on that,” said Edward.

He encouraged people to call in, talk to them and learn more about their objectives and stance on the issue, which include a call for a boycott of Israel.

“We will continue to be there,” Edward stated.