Noon Nakba rally at Free Derry Wall on Saturday

The Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign is holding a rally to mark the 75th anniversary of the Nakba described as "he catastrophe that seen the violent removal of nearly 1 million Palestinians".

The rally will begin at NOON (12pm), on Saturday, May 13, at Free Derry Wall.

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign said the Noon Rally was to honour the late Joe Mulheron.

"Joe was a passionate supporter of Palestinian liberation. We send our sincere condolences and love to Joe's family and friends.

"Out of respect for Joe, we have decided to change the start time for Saturday's march and rally marking the 75 anniversary of the Nakba to Noon. This will allow those planning to attend Joe's funeral at 1.30pm to do so. Rest in Power Joe Mulheron."

Catherine Hutton, chairperson for the Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, which led to the creation of the Israeli Apartheid state.

"Palestinians living within the Israeli state are second class citizens and Israel's occupation of the rest of historic Palestine only becomes more vicious by the day.

"Israel's new government is extremely racist and right wing, even by Israeli standards. They now openly promote illegal settlements and back violent pogroms by settlers. "Despite this, the complicity of the US, EU and British and Irish governments with Israeli Apartheid continues.

"However, Palestine solidarity across the world continues to grow and the movement to boycott Apartheid Israel continues to achieve victories.

"Palestinians continue to campaign for an end to Apartheid and for the right of all Palestinians to return.

"On Saturday May 13 there will be a global day of solidarity with Palestinians to mark the Nakba. The Derry rally will begin at NOON at Free Derry Wall.

"We encourage all supporters of the Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice to join us."