Palestinian flag to be hoisted outside Sligo County Council offices
Speaking to 'The Sligo Champion' the Cathaoirleach of the council, Cllr Declan Bree said: 'Nakba Day is commemorated annually throughout the world on May 15th. It marks the beginning of the destruction of the Palestinian homeland and the mass displacement in 1948 of the majority of the Palestinian population.
'Nakba means 'catastrophe' in Arabic and is the word used by Palestinians and others to refer to this historic moment. For many, the term is also used to describe the subsequent and ongoing persecution of Palestinians and loss of territory.
'In the 77 years since the Nakba, the Israeli state has continued to encroach into Palestinian territory, displacing families and violating international law in the process.
'Today, it is important that we continue to show our solidarity with the people of Palestine and particularly those suffering as Israel continues its genocidal war on the people of Gaza.
'Over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by the Israeli military over the past 18 months and another 800 in the West Bank. Two thirds of those killed are women and children. In addition over 1,400 medics, 200 journalists, and 750 aid workers have been killed.
'Special Commemorative events are being held worldwide and I believe it is fitting that we in Sligo would mark the occasion here.' said Cllr Bree.
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He has been on several humanitarian missions to conflict zones, including Ukraine, Lebanon and most recently Gaza, when the recent ceasefire was breached and Nasser Hospital targeted by a missile strike. He continues to advocate for the truth during war and conflict. He is also a law graduate from the Honourable Society of King's Inns, Dublin. Read More Famine in Gaza is hardening rhetoric in Israel
