'We owe them our hope'

"From the River to the Sea,” called Sean Walsh through a megaphone as he paced in front of the colourful protest on Farnham Street in Cavan Town on Saturday afternoon.

“Palestine will be free,” came the response from the crowd.

Freedom, in whatever form, appears a forlorn prospect in a besieged land on free-falling into famine, while global heavyweights continue to provide political cover for the Israeli genocide. However, the grim images of emaciated people, and daily reports of children dying from starvation in Gaza appear to have sparked greater interest locally in protesting in support of Palestine.

Sean Walsh was heartened to see this, the largest crowd yet to attend the protest.

“I was almost in tears coming up to it,” says the Dublin native who now lives in Cavan. “The first one we had, I think there were six of us there, so this is amazing.”

He feels the persistence of the core group of protesters has offered others who feel similarly an outlet to vent their anger.

“It's being brave and standing there shouting with six people - so people say, 'Ok, we can do that'. I think that's what's changed the activisim on the street.”

The protestors of all age groups - including babies - lined the railings at the courthouse on Saturday chanting in full voice, banging pots and pans and holding placcards urging motorists to 'Beep for Gaza'.

Over the sound of a car tooting its stacatto horn, Johnny Binchy is heartened it shows “people actually give a sh*t.”

The Cavan man marvelled at how the protest appeared to be growing exponentially.

“This is about twice the size of last month's and that was nearly twice the size of the month before,” said Johnny.

In the days leading up to the protests, France signalled it would recognise the state of Palestine immminently; while the UK and Germany have become more vocal in their criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.

“Even the countries that were dragging their heels are gradually coming on board because they see the movement. And they see it just getting worse and worse. Israel has been acting with impunity and is emboldened by the fact that nothing is being done over what they have done to the Palestinian people. They have no reason to stop unless the international community gets f**king real and starts putting pressure that can't be ignored.”

Amongst the families protesting were Gerard Barkey and Sinead Mulvey with their children Charlie and Ruby. They're regulars at the protests.

“I can't understand how it's still going on at this stage,” lamented Gerard over the constant din of spoons battering pots and pans. “What's going on in Gaza is truly awful. It can't go on.

“Finally the world seems to be waking up a bit to what's going on, you are starting to see more and more countries speaking out, which is great, but it's a long time coming.”

Sinead is frustrated by the pace of action by politicans at home.

"The government is doing nothing - to enact the Occupied Territories Bill would be a start. Nothing is being done, words are one thing but we need actions.”

The Occcupied Territories Bill is currently going through pre-legislative scrutiny, a process which can be skipped when legislation is urgently required. That committee has made a series of non-binding recommendations – including that the Bill should related to services as well as goods - that will be considered by Government.

Sinead insists it must include “goods and services” and dismisses the prelegislative scrutiny as merely a delay tactic: “They just keep delaying and delaying - it's all words.”

When raised that some people are afraid of how standing up for Gaza could impact relationships with America and cost Ireland jobs and money, Sinead responds: “What's more important? They are putting money and profit before people - children are being slaughtered every single day and we are watching it and the world is silent. How many more have to die? Shameful. It's an embarassment, a stain on humanity.”

Eugene Kiernan echoed Gerard's sentiments of disbelief at the scenes coming from Gaza.

“It's just incredible to see women and children starving to death in the 21st century. Shocking,” he said. He acknowledged the improved turn out but given the gravity of the tragedy unfolding, asserted “there should be a lot more”.

He hinted at America's complicity in the crimes against humanity.

“For the first time ever I believe America is being seen for what they are. For the last 100 years every president in America would have been tried for a war criminal – now Trump is showing his colours big time.”

Asked if there was any cause for optimism, Eugene opines: “It can't continue. But time is of the essence, it has to happen within days or within hours. And the only resolution is a political resolution – war doesn't solve matters,” referring to our experiences of conflict in the North.

One of the protest organisers, Eva Jeffreys, was typical of many of the others encouraged by the turn out, but appalled by the ongoing genocide.

“It's exciting to see this many people mobilised," she said, and suggests the starvation enforced by Israel has been a factor in the turn out.

"It seems to have gotten through to people who have otherwise been blind to it."

Does Eva have any optimism that something will now happen?

“I really really hope so, my own opinion is that it won't happen fast, but that doesn't mean we should slow down the protests or demonstrations. We owe them our hope.”