SOLIDARITY with Palestine Pembrokeshire and the Stop the War Coalition Pembrokeshire have announced a significant protest set to take place this Saturday, 29 June. The demonstration, titled ‘March for Gaza: End the Genocide, Stop Arming Israel,’ will begin at 1 PM in Castle Square, Haverfordwest. The event is supported by several regional groups, including the Ceredigion Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Carmarthen Palestine Solidarity Group, Swansea Palestine, FBU Wales, and PCS Wales.

In a powerful statement, Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The group cited data from the United Nations, revealing that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 9,500 women and 14,500 children. The group emphasised the severity of these figures, noting the dire situation facing the people of Gaza.

The statement detailed recent attacks, including the massacre of 274 Palestinians, with at least 64 children among the victims, in the Nuseirat refugee camp on 8 June. Furthermore, an Israeli airstrike on an UNWRA aid centre resulted in the deaths of eight individuals two days ago, followed by another airstrike in Gaza City that killed dozens yesterday.

Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire criticised the lack of media coverage on these atrocities, pointing out that recent headlines have been dominated by the Tory betting scandal and other election news. The group accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Force of committing war crimes, including the deliberate starvation of the Gaza population, crimes recognised by both the International Court of Justice and the United Nations.

The statement also condemned Western support for Israel, highlighting financial and political backing that enables the ongoing violence. Locally, the group pointed to the Dyfed Pension Fund, which has invested over £64 million in Israel, and the presence of Barclays bank, a supporter of Israel, at Pembrokeshire County Council’s County Hall.

The protest organisers were particularly critical of Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire and Chair of the Conservative Friends of Israel. Crabb has made multiple trips to Israel and received £23,000 in donations from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In response to Crabb’s claim that his support for Israel is based on values of liberalism, tolerance, democracy, and freedom, the group questioned how these values align with what they describe as Israel’s 76-year campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.

As residents of Pembrokeshire, the organisers expressed their shame at being represented by Crabb and expressed hope that he will be voted out of office in the upcoming election on 4 July, allowing them to continue their fight for justice for Palestine.

The ‘March for Gaza’ protest will begin at 1 PM on Saturday, 29 June, in Castle Square, Haverfordwest. The organisers invite all supporters of Palestinian rights and justice to join them in their call to end the violence and bring attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.