Carrickmacross Born Journalist among those kidnapped by Israeli Government

Responding to the news that a Carrickmacross born journalist was among those kidnapped by Israeli government forces this week local Councillor Matt Carthy has said that all right-thinking people are outraged at the sheer aggression of Israel.

Paul McGeough lived in Carrickmacross until he was 11 years old when his family emigrated to Australia. He currently works as a journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald and is considered an expert on Middle Eastern Affairs. He was on board a vessel in the Gaza bound Flotilla which was captured in international waters by Israel in violation of international law. He is currently being held captive in Ela prison in Beersheba.

Cllr. Carthy said: “Our thoughts and solidarity are with Paul McGeough and his family at this time. He has, I have no doubt, the support and best wishes of the vast majority of his old neighbours and family friends in his home town of Carrickmacross.

“The actions of the Israeli government have once again shown the world that this is a rogue regime. In the first instance I would join the chorus of those demanding the release of all those involved with the flotilla who are being held captive at this time. I will also be requesting Monaghan County Council, at its meeting next Monday, to join with the other local authorities who have adopted motions condemning the Israeli government and calling on our own Foreign Affairs Minister to expel the Israeli ambassador to Ireland.

“Earlier this year that same ambassador attempted to use our town for a PR exercise and unfortunately was facilitated by our Mayor. Thankfully the majority of Town Councillors rectified our image and removed Zion Evrony’s signature from the town’s distinguished visitors book. Wouldn’t it be a shame if this action had not been taken and for Paul McGeough to be informed that his home town considered a representative of the government who kidnapped him to be a ‘distinguished visitor’? Perhaps those ‘politicos’ who condemned the actions of the Town Council will now understand the motives for our actions.

“Regardless, I hope everyone in Carrickmacross and County Monaghan will join us in expressing hope that Paul McGeough, along with the other Irish citizens kidnapped by Israel, is returned home safe and sound without delay”.

Monaghan Protest at Israeli actions

A hastily arranged protest was organised by Sinn Féin in Monaghan on Monday in response to what the party described as “the murderous actions by Israel” in the early hours of the morning. At least sixteen humanitarian aid workers were killed when the Flotilla with medical and food supplies to Gaza on which they were travelling were attacked by the Israeli Army. The Israeli actions have been described by commentators across the world as cold and calculated.

The protest held at the Courthouse in Monaghan Town on Monday was one of dozens held across the country organised by Sinn Féin, Palestinian Support Groups and Human Rights bodies. Approximately 30 people were in attendance at any given time during the Monaghan event which was enthusiastically received by the public with a chorus of car horns sounding in the vicinity in support of the demonstration for its duration. Among those in attendance were several Sinn Féin members including local Dáil Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin along with Monaghan Councillors Matt Carthy, Jackie Crowe, Brian McKenna and Peter Grimes. Councillor John Martin from Cootehill was also present as were many non-party aligned individuals who wanted to voice their support for the Palestinian people and for those Humanitarian Aid Workers who were attacked.

Speaking following the event Sinn Féin Dáil leader, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin thanked party colleagues and members of the public who had mobilised at short noticed for the event. Deputy Ó Caoláin said there must be action from the International Community and called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to expel the Israeli Ambassador from the Country.

He said “This cold and calculated attack took place in international waters, in breach of all international maritime laws. There simply must be action from the international community.

“Foreign Affairs Minister Mícheál Martin must expel the Israeli Ambassador from the Country. Furthermore the preferential trade agreement with Israel must be ended.

“This was a humanitarian aid mission carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to the besieged city of Gaza. The blockade of Gaza is illegal under International law.

“At all stage of preparations to join the flotilla the organisers’ reiterated non-violent and peaceful resistance to any boarding by Israeli army. The Israelis had nothing to fear from this flotilla.

“The attack has left up to 20 dead and fifty injured 10,000 tons of much needed aid wasted.

“My thoughts are with the families of those who died. They were courageous men and women as was each and every person on the flotilla” he concluded.