Organisers of a pro-Palestine march which is due to pass through Scarva en route from Lurgan to Newry have insisted it will be a “peaceful” procession and “is not and never will be a republican march”.
The event is due to take place on Saturday, June 6, and is being organised by the Lurgan Branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
An application to stage what is being described as the ‘Great March for Gaza & International Justice 2026’ has been lodged with the Parades Commission NI.
It indicates around 1,500 participants leaving Lurgan at 8.30am and joining the Canal Towpath at Mullahead Road at around 10.30am.
A separate application to the Parades Commission followed, notifying of plans to hold a protest, between 10am and 5pm on the same day, to coincide with the march passing through Scarva.
Lodged by the Scarva Residents’ Association, it estimates 100 participants.
Both applications are listed as ’sensitive’ by the Parades Commission NI, which has still to make a determination on each.
Markethill Volunteers Flute Band, meanwhile, on Monday evening shared details on social media of a planned sponsored walk on the Canal Towpath, between Scarva and Portadown.
The Lurgan Branch of the IPSC has responded to developments, describing its march as “a peaceful, community-led and humanitarian mobilisation calling for civilian protection, humanitarian relief, respect for international law and the right to peaceful public assembly”.
The organisers, in a statement issued to Armagh I, said: “Across Ireland and internationally, people from many different backgrounds have watched with horror as civilians in Gaza and the wider region continue to suffer the devastating consequences of war, displacement, destruction, siege and political failure.
“Whatever our individual political views, we believe there is a shared human responsibility to speak out against the killing of civilians, the destruction of hospitals and essential infrastructure, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, the taking of hostages and the erosion of basic human dignity.
“We also recognise the importance of protecting democratic freedoms at home, including the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, humanitarian advocacy and lawful public assembly.
“The Great March for Gaza 2026 will be peaceful, responsible, disciplined and community-focused. Organisers have committed to stewarding, first aid provision, welfare planning, route coordination and engagement with the relevant authorities to ensure the event is conducted safely and responsibly.
“We believe public silence in the face of humanitarian suffering helps nobody. Peaceful civic action, community solidarity and humanitarian concern should be encouraged, not discouraged.
“The genocide in Gaza is not a divisive green and orange issue – it is a matter which should concern us all. We cannot stand idly by as a whole nation is wiped out and we watch on our phone screens.
“As such, The Great March for Gaza & International Justice 2026 is a march for peace with people attending from all creeds, colours and religions. It has not, is not and never will be a republican march.”
