Pro-Palestinian protests in Belfast draw thousands, leading to calls for boycotts of Israeli products and companies.
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Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators March in Belfast
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through the heart of Belfast on Saturday afternoon, expressing their opposition to businesses they accuse of supporting Israel and its military actions in Gaza. The protest disrupted traffic and shopping activities, highlighting rising tensions in the region.
Key Events of the Day
The protest began as demonstrators wove through the city center, chanting slogans and calling out the names of major corporations such as Starbucks, Barclays, Axa, and Leonardo Hotels. Organizers accused these businesses of complicity in what they described as genocide.
The culmination of the march occurred outside the BBC Northern Ireland offices, where speakers urged attendees to boycott Israeli products starting September 18, specifically targeting Teva, an Israeli pharmaceutical company.
Witnesses reported a significant police presence as the protest unfolded, aiming to maintain order amid the charged atmosphere.
Notably, while some participants referenced Palestine Action, a group banned by the UK Government, the demonstration did not prominently feature its branding. Instead, three women were seen wearing shirts with the separate words “I Support,” “Palestine,” and “Action,” emphasizing their individual expressions of solidarity.
Broader Protests Across the UK and Ireland
Similar demonstrations erupted in London, where tensions heightened as several elderly individuals were arrested for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action. Protests also took place in Dublin, with crowds marching from the US embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs. Other cities in Ireland, including Cork, Galway, and Limerick, hosted protests organized by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC).
Rossa Coyle of IPSC addressed the Belfast crowd, urging attendees to boycott Caterpillar, a company whose bulldozers have reportedly been used in the occupied Palestinian territories. Coyle stated, “Ask your GPs, ask your pharmacist to mark your records ‘no Teva products.’ Boycott Teva.” Patricia McKeown from Trade Union Friends of Palestine echoed these sentiments, calling for intensified actions across Ireland against Israeli products.
The Voices of the Community
Dr. Ashraf Abouharb, a Palestinian residing in Belfast, expressed his outrage over the ongoing situation in Gaza, describing it as “utter and discriminate destruction.” He called on world leaders, particularly those in the West, to take decisive action against what he termed genocide. “What else needs to happen for the international community to do something? Enough is enough,” he declared, highlighting the large turnout as a sign of growing solidarity.
Abouharb further emphasized the moral imperative for business leaders and workers to act in solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating, “The Palestinian people… made a mistake in 1948 by being displaced. We have to live up to their commitment by continuing to fight on their behalf until Gaza is free and Palestine is free.” His call resonated deeply among the demonstrators, who echoed the sentiment of unity and resistance.
Conclusion
The protests in Belfast represent a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As calls for boycotts gain momentum, demonstrators are determined to raise awareness and push for change. The events of Saturday serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and the urgency felt by many in response to the crisis in Gaza.
