Gaza – The Gates of Hell

Last Saturday millions across the world, including here in Belfast, participated in one of the biggest ever solidarity events as part of a Global Day of Action in support of the Palestinian people. At the same time dozens of boats, and hundreds of human rights activists, are taking part in the largest civilian freedom flotilla. Among them are three senior Sinn Féin representatives; Lynn Boylan MEP, Seanadoir Chris Andrews and Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh TD. They are all on their way to the Gaza Strip in a courageous effort to break Israel’s illegal blockade. Their aim is to deliver much needed food and medicine to the people of that besieged territory.

Next month will mark two years since the commencement of the Israeli genocide assault against the Palestinian people, following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. The statistics of death and destruction are horrendous. To date almost 65,000 Palestinians have been confirmed as killed with many thousands more buried under the rubble of Gaza.  Almost 20,000 children have been murdered and tens of thousands have suffered serious injuries, many of them life changing.

UNICEF has described the situation in Gaza City as catastrophic with starvation now an integral part of Israel’s genocidal war against civilians. Eight Palestinian children die every day from starvation. The Israeli forces kill 28 children every day. Over 350 children are daily being admitted to the limited U.N. facilities still operating within the Gaza Strip, suffering from acute malnutrition. Many will not survive and those who do will suffer from health problems for the rest of their lives because of this experience.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Movies can uplift and depress, frighten and inspire, and occasionally make us laugh. The Irish experience, through films like Hunger, which tells the story of Bobby Sands; In the Name of the Father which recounts the miscarriage of Justice experienced by the Guildford Four; of Michael Collins; Bloody Sunday and others is evidence of this. These movies focussed on important political or historical events while successfully and emotionally impacting on audiences.

Last week ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ received the longest ever standing ovation at the Venice film festival and won the Silver Lion prize. It is a drama based on true events – the killing by Israel of a five-year-old Palestinian child, Hind Rajab, in Gaza in January 2024.

Hind was in a car with her Aunt and Uncle and four cousins trying to flee Israeli forces. Their car was struck by a shell and the adults and three children were killed. An Israeli tank fired consistently into the trapped vehicle. The fourth cousin was later killed. Hind was alone, surrounded by the bodies of her relatives. She spent hours on a mobile phone with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. She was terrified. She pleaded for help. “Come take me. You will come and take me? … I’m so scared, please come. Please call someone to come and take me.” Desperately the Red Crescent sought clearance from the Israeli Army to send an ambulance. They never got it.

Van The Man

A very happy 80th birthday to Van Morrison. This column is a big fan of Van the Mans music. It is great that he is still so creative. His   latest offering Remembering Now is a gem. It is reflective and musically very very positive and uplifting. Not bad for a man who started in the sixties . Still going strong. 

Chieftan's Walk - Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation

14th September, 1pm Derry City: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ChieftainsWalk20251

CEARTA Dublin Rally: 20th September, Parnell Square 1:30pm: National Irish Language & Gaeltacht March.