Derry book of solidarity with Palestine to be opened in the Guildhall

The Guildhall will open a book of solidarity for the people of Derry to express their support for the people of Palestine amid Israel’s war on Gaza.

The motion was proposed by councillor Sandra Duffy in the Full Council Meeting on 14 December.

The Sinn Féin councillor said people are feeling hopeless about Israel’s ‘murderous campaign’ in Gaza.

“As we move into the Christmas period, where people's thoughts turn to their families. We are all feeling helpless, and thinking about the children of Gaza and what we can do practically,” she said

“I ask for a book of solidarity to be opened to allow the people locally here to express their wishes of solidarity to the people of Gaza, Palestine.

“I am so proud of this city to see so many rallies, vigils and fundraising efforts locally to assess the people of Gaza.

“The people of this council area would also like a means to send messages of support and solidarity. Like when we open books of condolence to allow people to express their thoughts and prayers, a book of solidarity but allow us to do likewise. I know that this is unprecedented, but we are in unprecedented times.”

Cllr Duffy’s motion also called on Council to write to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar seeking that he refer the ‘brutal’ Israeli attacks in Gaza to the International Criminal Court for Investigation.

“The Taoiseach has previously stated that such actions cannot go without consequences, but what are the consequences? We have seen the US continue to use its veto to the demand for a full ceasefire and talk that Israel will be allowed to continue their murderous campaign for possibly another month or more.

“The people of Gaza, the children of Gaza cannot sustain these circumstances. The UN and the World Health Organization and others have called this the worst humanitarian crisis the world has ever seen.

“Ireland should exercise our right to refer the actions of Israel to the prosecutor of the court for the purpose of requesting an investigation into any acts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide that have occurred in Gaza over the past two months.”

Councillor Shaun Harkin proposed an amendment that Council urge the 'broadest support' for marches to the US Consulates in Belfast and Dublin this weekend calling for an end to 'US support for war crimes'.

“I think it's disgraceful that the Israeli government and the United States Government voted, almost on their own at the UN General Assembly meeting this week, against the immediate humanitarian ceasefire and again disgracefully the British government abstained. I think that the world very clearly sees what's happening, which is a genocidal war,” the People Before Profit councillor said.

“Both marches are going to the US Consulate, both marches are organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and both marches are focused on calling Joe Biden to end his support for war crimes. The US is now completely complicit.

The amendment passed with 31 for and seven against.

Councillor Paul Gallagher proposed another amendment to the motion. He proposed that Council would proceed with the printing of the publicity items on BDS for households in the district.

The amendment required an 80% majority to pass because it would incur a cost to the council.

Alderman Niree McMorris said she disagrees with the motions.

“Just to reiterate about the one-sidedness of the motions and the amendments being brought today. For that reason, as we stated previously, on numerous occasions, we will not be supporting it.

“I don't know whether I'm wrong in my thinking on this but we already got a briefing in regards to BDS and basically the legal implications in regards to that.”

The amendment fell ever so slightly short of the required 80%.

Council Chief Executive, John Kelpie explained the count.

“The amendment was subject to a qualified majority vote which is 80% of members present and there are 39 members present and voting 31 members voted for the amendments, 31 as a percentage of 39 is 79.49% so it does not meet the 80% required,” he said.