Gaza native in Kerry says only Ireland ‘feels what the Palestinians feel'
Ahmed LuLu no longer dances while his people suffer under the weight of Israeli bombs and systemic starvation.
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Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Book review: Unravelling every wrongdoing
'The prevailing narrative is one thing. The truth is quite different.' When the evidence of nefarious wrongdoing is so ubiquitous and overwhelming — as it is in Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza — perhaps the greatest achievement for any writer is simply to be discerning. Journalist, media entrepreneur, and migration activist Fintan Drury has handled the almost impossible task of framing the unframeable in his latest book, Catastrophe: Nakba II. In the book, he eschews hyperbole and emotional outrage and speaks directly to the symptoms of Zionism and its catastrophic effects on the Palestinian people — from the original Nakba in 1948 until today. Written and impeccably researched in real time, the book provides a compelling and concise account of the contemporary history of the Middle East, the birth of an ethno-terror state, and Western complicity in its manifestation from violent philosophy to brutal protagonist. An Israeli citizen, who relocated his family from Tel Aviv to Paris, said: 'Israel is a very different now to a decade or two ago; the IDF is different to when I did my three years mandatory service 20 years ago. Truth is a casualty.' File picture: AP 'Israel is a coloniser; aided by the West,' he writes. 'It has been allowed not just to establish itself as a sovereign state with internationally accepted boundaries, but one that has methodically extended its territory in contravention of multiple UN resolutions and international law.' Such straightforward opinions might otherwise seem subjective had Drury not backed them up with unimpeachable detail. Unable to travel to Gaza, he might well have stayed at home and still produced a book of considerable merit given the evidence remotely available. Instead, he travelled to Lebanon, Jordan, the occupied West Bank, and Paris to include incredibly worthwhile testimony that — among other things — provides nuance to the oft-misunderstood complex relationship between Lebanon and Palestine. Buried within another testimony from an Israeli citizen, who relocated his family from Tel Aviv to Paris, was a nugget of truth too jarring to ignore: 'Israel is a very different now to a decade or two ago; the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] is different to when I did my three years mandatory service 20 years ago. Truth is a casualty.' Perhaps, but the 'truth' Drury lays bare repeatedly confirms that the IDF — and the state it purports to defend — was no different 20 years ago than it is today. The only difference — as Drury explains — is that the restrictions and boundaries the international community once imposed upon it no longer exist. The Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, gave them the excuse to test that theory, and the results are now visible on the faces of emaciated Palestinian children. What is perhaps most revealing is the carefully teased out confessionals from inside Israel, by Israelis. Not because they elicit sympathy, but because their indifference is so flagrant. There is also insight into an inherently racist educational system that has contributed so much to the maturation of an apartheid state, especially as it seeks to punish any voice from within who questions government policy. Parallels between the Troubles and the Palestinian cause have often proven lazy and reductive. Not so here. Few are better placed than Drury to carefully examine the strategy and consequences of internment. One Israeli non-governmental organisation quoted references the weaponisation of a scabies outbreak among Palestinian prisoners to impose even more hardship on detainees. It's a horrific image, and one that is depressingly consistent with the tone and tenor of this book. With excellent pacing and an admirable ability to make the complex comprehensible, Drury prosecutes the roles of the Israeli Knesset, international media, and UNRWA, as well as the ambivalence of modern society as they pertain to Palestine. Crucially, he neatly presents irrefutable facts regarding what Gaza and the occupied territories looked like on October 6 — the day before — as a method of framing every horror since. Some will absurdly argue this book is antisemitic. Others may say Drury does not go far enough, that the reality unfolding on the ground in Gaza and elsewhere renders the objectivity he covets obsolete. To his immense credit, he lets the facts scream from the page. This is an essential book. One that should be read and understood today, before the horror becomes history, and that history is repeated. Read More Israel has used detention and starvation to bring Palestine to heel
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Gardaí preparing for thousands at pro-Palestinian and far-right rallies in Cork
Gardaí in Cork say they will have 'appropriate and proportionate policing measures' in place to allow people express their rights and maintain public order during two large rallies in the city on Saturday. It is understood that gardaí are preparing for a crowd of between 8,000 to 10,000 people. A pro-Palestine march and what's being billed as a "national protest for Ireland", organised by anti-immigration campaigners and far-right agitators, are set to take place in the city at around the same time on Saturday afternoon. A Munster–wide rally and march for Palestine is set to start at 1pm on the Grand Parade. There has been a march for Palestine through Cork City every Saturday since the war in Gaza started. On Saturday, members of the public and Palestinian solidarity groups from across Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary will converge on the city for what could be one of the largest rallies to date. They will gather afterwards on the Grand Parade where speakers will call on the Irish Government to place sanctions on Israel, to stop the Central Bank from authorising the sale of Israeli bonds in Europe, and to pass a strong Occupied Territories Bill. Anti-immigration At around the same time, several leading anti-immigration activists and far-right agitators are also set to gather on the Grand Parade for what they've called a "national protest for Ireland". Several thousand people marched in a similar rally in Dublin last month. The former Ireland First leader and failed European and general election candidate Derek Blighe is among the main organisers of the Cork event. Participants will then move from the Grand Parade and march to City Hall, where speakers are expected to criticise the Government and the media on a range of issues — including immigration, housing, and health. In a statement on Friday, gardaí said they are aware of and prepared for both events. 'Ireland operates as a constitutional democracy, ensuring that citizens have the right to express their beliefs and opinions freely, as well as to gather peacefully, in accordance with legal provisions,' a spokesperson said. To manage public gatherings effectively, An Garda Síochána employs appropriate and proportionate policing measures, enabling citizens to exercise their rights while maintaining public order 'In response to evolving events, An Garda Síochána follows a community policing model, adopting a graduated approach that aligns with relevant legislation and prioritises public safety.' The Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign says it has organised online training with up to 50 stewards to 'protect their movement, space, and community', and that they have had extensive contact with gardaí on logistics. Traffic disruption is expected in the city centre island area around lunchtime, and could last for over an hour. Read More Trinity college board votes to cut ties with Israeli universities and companies
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Do right thing Donald Trump' – Enormous ‘Free Palestine' message scrawled in sand at Doonbeg as plea issued for US pres
AN enormous 350-foot wide message reading "Free Palestine" was scrawled in the sand at a beach in front of US President Donald Trump's golf resort in Co Clare this week. A trio of activists wrote the temporary message in response to Israeli attacks in 3 'Free Palestine' message in the sand near Trump's hotel Credit: Sean Corcoran 3 Each letter in the sand art stood at about 40 foot tall Credit: Sean Corcoran Sean Corcoran, who worked alongside two friends to create the sand art on Doughmore Strand in He told RTE: "Israel's actions are being made possible by the USA and other countries who continue to supply them military equipment." Sean continued: "I chose the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg as a poignant location for this installation. I thought I would use the privilege I am afforded in this democracy to voice my opinion. "I believe a turning point has been reached and politicians will need to start responding to growing public outrage. READ MORE IRISH NEWS "The USA and other countries need to stop supporting Israel. "We all need to insist on a ceasefire. Do the right thing Each letter in the sand art, which Sean's friends James Corcoran Hodgins and Caoláin Power assisted him with, stood at about 40 foot tall. But Sean, who is a regular visitor to the US on art projects, admitted that the message at Donald Trump's golf course in Ireland could land him in trouble if he tries to return to America. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN He said: "If the Trump administration decided that my opinions and actions on the sand are anti-Semitic, it's possible that I would be detained or deported if I try to return." Moment dozens of pro-Palestine protesters are arrested at gates of Government The for Irish people heading to the US in general has not changed , Simon Harris previously confirmed. However, the Tanaiste said that this advice will be kept "under constant review". He added that people have seen "scenes from across America in terms of protest", specifically when it comes to He said: "It's important when you go to any jurisdiction to consider the local situation, the local laws, to consider if what is acceptable in Ireland is acceptable in the country that you are visiting and to also know, specifically in relation to the TRAVEL RISK The in Ireland, which represents over 350,000 students, has The USI said: "While activism is a vital part of student life and a right that should be protected, it is important that students fully understand the possible consequences for their visa status, including the risk of deportation, and take steps to safeguard their participation in such activities." Separately, A US- and Israeli-backed group handing out aid in Gaza said all its distribution sites were closed until further notice. The group urged residents to stay away from these venues "for their safety" after a series of deadly shootings. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said that a reopening date would be announced at a later time. 3 Sean Corcoran worked alongside two friends to create the sand art on Doughmore Strand in Doonbeg Credit: Sean Corcoran
