Members and supporters of Laois IPSC (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign) gathered outside McDonald’s in Portlaoise to take part in a peaceful boycott protest.
The demonstration was part of the global BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, which targets corporations the group say are ‘complicit in or profiting from Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians’.
McDonald’s has been highlighted as one such target, and protesters in Portlaoise distributed information leaflets explaining why boycotting the fast-food chain is a simple but powerful action people can take to withdraw financial support from Israel – a state ‘currently carrying out a genocide in Gaza’.
“This is not just about McDonald’s,” said a spokesperson for Laois IPSC. “It’s about refusing to be complicit in the daily atrocities against Palestinians.
“Boycotting is something everyone can do – it’s small but significant, and it sends a strong message of solidarity.”
Laois IPSC also wish for people to turn their attention to events last night where Israeli forces boarded the humanitarian vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, taking Irish and other multinational civilians on board.
The flotilla was unarmed and carrying aid yet was intercepted – with organisers calling this ‘a blatant violation of international law’.
Laois IPSC is calling on those who may not feel comfortable joining street protests but who wish to stand for Palestinian freedom to take meaningful action in other ways:
- Use your vote in the upcoming Presidential election to support the candidate who will not remain silent in the face of genocide and apartheid.
- Contact your local and national representatives and demand that Ireland takes definitive, principled action against Israel’s ongoing crimes, including the release of Irish citizens currently detained by Israel.
“Every day that passes without decisive action is another day of suffering for the people of Gaza,” the spokesperson added.
“Ireland has a proud tradition of standing on the right side of history – now is the time for our government, our politicians, and our people to live up to that legacy.”
SEE ALSO – Laois County Councillor calls for part of Portlaoise Prison to be turned into a tourist attraction
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