Galwegians held empty plates and cooking pots aloft at Galway Courthouse on Saturday week last to protest Israel’s forced starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The group – which included artists, healthcare workers, teachers and activists – called on the Irish Government to do more, as Oxfam revealed that people in northern Gaza are surviving on just 245 calories a day. That’s less than twelve per cent of the daily intake needed for survival.

“Ireland’s intervention in South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice to argue that restriction of food and humanitarian aid constitutes genocidal intent is a welcome step, but it won’t save Gaza’s children from dying of hunger. Only an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian and medical aid will,” said one of the event organisers, artist and producer Ríonach Ní Néill.

As it stands, families in Gaza are going multiple days without any food at all – and the protestors claimed that Israel has openly and repeatedly declared its intention to use starvation as a weapon of war.

They pointed to the words of     Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant – as early as October 9 – when he said: “We are putting a complete siege on Gaza … no electricity, no food, no water, no gas; it’s all closed”.

The protestors were told that Israel is blocking food and humanitarian aid from entering Gaza and has destroyed the aid distribution system through targeting and killing Palestinian and international aid workers, and refusing to allow UNRWA, the largest aid provider, to operate.

Israeli civilians have also participated in the blockade, physically preventing food supplies from entering Gaza.

In addition to this, Israel has destroyed domestic food production in Gaza.

Up to 50% of the strip’s agricultural land has been razed, and farmers cannot access the remaining land to cultivate crops.

More than half a million people in Gaza are now believed to be at the most severe Phase 5 ‘catastrophic’ level of food insecurity, meaning a high risk of mass starvation and death, added Ríonach Ní Néill.

Pictured: Galway artists making their empty plates protest against what they called Israel’s forced starvation of the people of Gaza. Photo: Avi Ratnayake.

A solidarity event is being held at the University of Galway tomorrow to coincide with National Day of Action for Palestine.

It’s being organised by Staff4Palestine along with a number of student Palestine Solidarity Society groups.

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The nationwide day of action on higher education campuses is aiming to put pressure on all Irish third level institutions to take a number of actions.

Groups taking part in the day of action are urging institutions to issue a statement condemning Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians.

They also want colleges to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and to implement a sector wide Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions policy.

Finally, they’re seeking more support for Palestinian academics, researchers, and students.

Tomorrow’s event will begin at 1PM tomorrow outside the James Hardiman Library, and will include music, poetry and speeches by staff and students.

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Gardaí are appealing for witnesses over what appears to be an episode of road rage in Claregalway.

The incident took place at the traffic lights in the village at around 4.30pm on Tuesday, April 9th.

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A man left his car, approached another car stopped at the lights and opened the door before verbally abusing the driver.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage, are asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station on 091- 842870.

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€160 thousand in funding has been awarded to Athenry Boys National School under the Safe Routes to Schools scheme.

The scheme, set up in 2020, aims to make it safer for students to cycle and walk to their local school.

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Measures can range from cycling infrastructure and bicycle parking, to improved footpaths and new road markings and signage.

Speaking to Galway Talks, Minister Anne Rabbitte said it’s badly needed in Athenry.

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85 patients are on trolleys at Galway’s public hospitals today according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation

18 are on trolleys in Ballinasloe’s Portiuncula Hospital, while 67 people are awaiting a bed at University Hospital Galway.

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This means UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in the country.

It comes behind Limerick, where 97 patients are on trolleys

606 people are waiting for beds in hospitals around the country today.

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Schools and retail outlets have been targetted in a string of break-ins in Gort, Loughrea and Ballinasloe areas

Gardaí are seeking help with the investigations of the crimes which occurred over a three day period last week

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Gardaí in Gort are investigating a break-in at Derrybrien National School and a pub in the village

The school was entered between 8 o’clock last Tuesday night and 9.30 the following morning and several items were stolen.

The pub in Derrybrien was broken into between 9 on Tuesday night and 8 the following morning when a small amount of coins were taken.

Gardaí in Woodford are investigating a break-in at Ballinakill national school

Damage was caused to the inside of the building between 1am and 10am last Wednesday

Gardaí are investigating a break-in that occurred at a hardware store in Killimor shortly after 3am on Wednesday

A quantity of cigarettes were taken from the premises.

3 males were seen fleeing from the scene in what is best described as a dark coloured car.

Gardaí in Oranmore are investigating the theft of an Ifor Williams trailer from a yard in Derrydonnell Beg last Thursday

Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity, or who may have any information in relation to any of these incidents, is asked to contact the Garda confidential line on 1800666111.

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Residents have finally moved into the new Joe and Helen O’Toole Community Nursing Home in Tuam.

The unit, on the grounds of the Old Grove Hospital site, had been officially opened by Tanáiste Micheál Martin six months ago.

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The first handful residents made the move from the former Arus Mhuire Nursing Home yesterday, with more expected to move in today.

Councillor Donagh Killilea says the move will be gradual, and more staff will be needed:

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Galway County Council has shut down the “rumour mill” over modular housing being built for Ukrainian refugees in Ballinasloe.

Rumours were abound in recent weeks – including that the development was being earmarked for other groups.

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The original proposal was to build 94 homes at the site in Pollboy, but this was later reduced to 64.

Construction works are underway and it’s expected people will begin to move in during the summer months.

At a meeting of local councillors this week, it was made clear in no uncertain terms that once completed, they will be occupied by Ukrainian families.

A council executive said the local “rumour mill” is solely responsible for suggestions to the contrary.

It was added that the development is very much needed, as many buildings currently used for emergency accommodation will be pulling out in the near future.

In the longer term, if no longer needed for their original purpose, the modular estate will likely be used as social and affordable housing.

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