Dozens of protestors have taken part in a Christmas Day silent vigil in Belfast city centre to remember Palestinians killed in Gaza.
The gathering took place outside Belfast City Hall on Wednesday morning and was organised by the Gaels against Genocide in Gaza group, which has held previous rallies in the city against Israel’s war in the Palestinian territory.
Participants stood carrying Palestinian flags and banners highlighting the ongoing military action by Israeli troops that has led to an estimated Palestinian death toll of over 45,000 since their invasion of Gaza began last year.
In a post to X, the group said it was “fantastic to see such solidarity with Palestine in Béal Feirste this morning.
Fantastic to see such solidarity with Palestine in Béal Feirste this morning. Even ón Christmas day,people can be distracted by children,families and it's heartening to see people give up 45 minutes of that time to stand with Palestinians #ThinkingOfPalestine #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/Sc7JxZayGF
— Gaels (@GaelsAgainstGen) December 25, 2024
“Even on Christmas day, people can be distracted by children, families, and it’s heartening to see people give up 45 minutes of that time to stand with Palestinians.”
The group also posted a social media image of a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf that was placed in a crib display at St John’s Church in west Belfast’s Falls Road area on Christmas Eve, where prayers were offered during mass for Palestinians.
The Christmas Day vigil followed a ‘Christmas Chanukah for Palestine’ march through Belfast city centre last Saturday.
Crowds walked to the headquarters of the Noethern Ireland Office, carrying pictures of young Palestinian victims, in the march which was organised by Belfast Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Jews for Palestine - Ireland.
