A large crowd gathered at the Diamond in Enniskillen last Saturday afternoon for a Palestinian solidarity vigil organised by the Robert Emmet 1916 Society Lisnaskea.

This was the second event held in Enniskillen in recent weeks to support the Palestinian people.

The first was organised by Sinn Féin, with SF Councillor Dermot Browne saying: “To stop the cycle of violence, we need ceasefires, the renewal of dialogue, and the rigorous enforcement of international law equally for all.

“We need to see an end to the occupation and an end to Israel’s apartheid regime that violates the rights of Palestinians.”

The vigil last Saturday was attended by people of all ages and many nationalities as part of an act of solidarity that was carried out across the world as people took to the streets of many towns and cities to support Palestinians, and to call for an end to the bombardment by Israel that has killed thousands of Palestinians.

Lifelong Palestine supporter John Hurson spoke at the vigil, as did Robert Emmet 1916 Society member and former Socialist Republican councillor, Eamon Keenan.

A spokesperson for the Robert Emmet 1916 Society Lisnaskea said: “Eamon spoke of the similarities between Palestine and Ireland and how both countries share a common struggle against Imperialism, and how both countries have been colonised by planters/settlers, and how both countries have been victims to genocide, [with people] thrown in jails and shot off the streets.

“Like the Irish people, the Palestinian people have resisted the occupation of their country.

“As anti-Imperialists, the Robert Emmet 1916 Society salutes the Palestinian resistance in their struggle for liberation and freedom, and we pay homage to the Palestinian peoples’ resolve and courage.

“Watch this space as the Palestinian solidarity and anti-Israeli Apartheid movement gains more and more support. Do not be surprised to see constitutional Sinn Féin make a u-turn, as they have done many times before.

‘Ceasefire’

“As Socialist Republicans and members of the 1916 Societies, we call for the people of Ireland to unite with a strong and unified voice in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, and we call for the expulsion of the Israeli Apartheid ambassador to Ireland.”

The Robert Emmet 1916 Society Lisnaskea thanked Eamon McPhillips of the Matt Fitzpatrick 1916 Society Newtownbutler for chairing the event, and also thanked those who attended the vigil to protest against the ongoing situation in Gaza, and in support of the Palestinian people.

“Long live Palestine, long live the People’s Resistance,” the spokesperson concluded.