More than 70 people braved sub-zero temperatures in Wrexham today to protest against the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
The last-minute protest organised by Wrexham Peace and Justice Forums heard from Steve Ryan, of the PCS union, and Elfed ap Nefydd, a local peace activist.
Councillor Marc Jones, of Plaid Cymru, chaired the meeting and also read out messages of solidarity from Jill Evans MEP and Janet Ryder, the North Wales AM. They were united in seeking an end to the violence on both sides, calling the 800 deaths suffered in the invasion so far totally disproportionate.
The crowd heard how the Gaza strip is smaller than Wrexham borough but holds 1.5 million people, currently living in appalling conditions due to a three-year blockade by Israel. Three quarters do not have electricity and many do not have clean drinking water.
Steve Ryan urged Wrexham people to join a boycott of Israeli goods including fruit, vegetables and herbs. More than half Israel's exports are to the UK and many are available in local supermarkets. Some activists went on from the protest to make their opposition to Israeli goods being sold locally known outside supermarkets.
Further action to highlight the sale of Israeli goods will take place later this week and another, bigger protest in Queens Square could take place next Saturday depending on the ongoing situation.
For the latest information go to wpjf.org.uk/ or phone 01978 366 735.
ENDS
Where is our envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair? He hasn't been to Gaza that's for sure. Apparently he's off to Washington to get his medal from Bush for extraordinary loyalty as a lapdog and that probably explains why he hasn't done what he gets paid for because he doesn't want to offend the US Jewish lobby which is clearly more influential than the United Nations.
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