Ceasefire begins in Gaza
The weekly protests on Leeside organised by the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign will continue for at least six weeks while “the delicate first stage of the ceasefire is implemented”.
The ceasefire agreement in the Gaza war follows 15 months of conflict which has claims the lives tens of thousands of people across the region.
A Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign spokesperson said: “We'll be back next week. Israel is not to be trusted and could violate this agreement at any time, as it has done in the past.
“We also have a responsibility to continue our work in opposition to the crime of apartheid, which Israel is continuing to tighten in the West Bank. This deserves our attention, this deserves our work and we will keep marching and protesting and speaking to the people of Cork until the apartheid is abolished.”
The spokesperson was speaking at last weekend’s rally when an 800 strong crowd gathered on Grand Parade, to celebrate the news of the impending ceasefire, amid reports that the Netanyahu government have agreed to sign the deal.
The agreement in question “is practically identical”, the spokesperson said, to the one proposed and agreed to by Hamas in May 2024, said campaigners. The deal will see the gradual release of hostages held by both sides over a six week period, with the dismantling of IDF forces in key areas of the Gaza Strip as a major concession by Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, World Vision welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza added that it provides a crucial opportunity to move towards an end to the violence that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of children and families across the region.
Fifteen months of conflict have devastated the enclave, leaving a million children in famine-like conditions, the charity said. They also welcomed the release of hostages.
Gillian Barnett, World Vision Ireland CEO, said: “After more than a year of intense conflict, this ceasefire provides a glimmer of hope for a future free from violence. Children across the region have suffered unimaginable hardships and trauma. This ceasefire can have a transformational impact if it leads to a sustainable end to hostilities on all sides. We call for consistent, unfettered humanitarian access so that enough aid can immediately reach the most vulnerable.”
An Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I welcome the release of the first three hostages. The rest of the hostages must be released. They and their heartbroken families and friends have suffered for far too long. Their enforced captivity is completely unacceptable.
“The people of Gaza, who have endured unimaginable hardship and trauma, must be allowed to return to their homes and to start to rebuild their lives.
“There must be an immediate surge in the much-needed humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. I welcome that the first UN aid trucks have begun to enter Gaza. This access must continue unimpeded and in increased volumes.”