Vigil for Palestine hosted on New Year's Eve

The South East Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign are hosting a New Year's Eve Vigil at 2pm at the Plunkett Station Roundabout, Waterford.

Since the ceasefire came into effect in October 2025, Israeli Defense Forces have killed more than four hundred Palestinians. 

In Gaza, children are freezing to death. Families are attempting to shelter in deplorable conditions in tents, many of which are water-logged and winter storms have destroyed hundreds of tents. 

In recent days, more than 40 emergency shelters in Khan Younis and Gaza City were destroyed by severe flooding and storms, according to the UN. 

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reports that Israel has destroyed more than 85% of homes in Gaza. Israel continues to restrict aid and the entry of caravans and construction materials. The UN reports that their supplies face logistical and security obstacles, despite a so-called ceasefire.

In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Palestinians continue to face violence, threats, and displacement as illegal settlements expand and Israel’s government calls for annexation.

Mary Lyng chairperson of the SE-IPSC says: “The humanitarian situation is horrendous. We call on the Irish and European governments to sanction Israel, to end the European-Israeli trade agreement, to enact the Occupied Territories Bill for goods and services. We condemn Israel’s restriction of humanitarian aid and commercial goods into and across Gaza. 

"On my trip to the West Bank in September this year, I heard first-hand about the injustices faced by Palestinians living there. Waterford is twinned with Ramallah and we call on the people of Waterford to gather in unity and continue to show their solidarity and to join the IPSC in our call for justice”.