Armagh Lord Mayor Cathy Rafferty has said she is overwhelmed by the generosity of people from across Armagh with their support for the families of Gaza .
During the week, community volunteers transported large collections of clothes, prams and children’s materials from Armagh to Newry.
“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people from across Armagh who recently worked together to collect donations of much needed clothes and medical supplies which will be transported directly to Palestine over the coming days as part of a relief mission,” said the city Sinn Fein councillor.
“This effort once again reflects the care and compassion of our communities and the anger at what has been taking place in Gaza.
“No one can ignore nor fail to be moved by the slaughter of innocents taking place in Gaza. Each night on our television screens or on twitter or facebook we see images of murdered men, women and especially of children.”
Dismissing recent Unionist criticism of her interest in Palestine, Councillor Rafferty continued: “Since July 8, when the current violence erupted, around 1300 Palestinians – 80% of them civilians – have been killed. Three Israeli civilians have been killed. I would share the disappointment of many at recent Unioist attempts to use the innocent blood of the children of Gaza to attempt to score cheap political points.
“I make no apology for condemning in the strongest possible terms the appalling loss of life in Gaza and I join with those who are calling on the International Community, including the Irish and British Governments, the EU and the UN, to intensify their efforts to resolve the situation in Gaza, to help bring about an immediate ceasefire and implement mechanisms to monitor such a ceasefire agreement, to lift the blockade of Gaza and work towards a just and lasting resolution for the peoples of Palestine and Israel.”
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