Independent Councillors boycott US Ambassador reception

The Independent group of councillors on Dublin City Council say they have refused to attend a ‘Holiday Reception’ in the US Ambassador’s residence on today in protest at “the continuing US support for the ongoing indiscriminate slaughter in Gaza.”

The group released a short statement condemning the American Government.

“The Independent group feel it is totally inappropriate to attend any type of celebration with the ambassador while the US remains complicit in the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment in Gaza,” Group leader Cllr Cieran Perry said.

“The US not only continues to support Israel morally and militarily but has disgracefully vetoed a United Nations call for a ceasefire.

“With the death toll at over 17,000 and rising, we must take every opportunity to highlight the continuing massacre of children, women and men”

Independent Cllr Sophie Nicoullaud said:

“The ambassador has invited councillors to a reception to ‘celebrate the joys of the season’ while Israel continues to slaughter innocent civilians with the support of the US.

“The world is watching as the US allows the indiscriminate attacks.

“Shame on them”

The group also made the point that every reputable humanitarian aid organisation recognises the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe.

Doctors without Borders has described the US veto of Gaza ceasefire resolution “a vote against humanity”.

Veteran councillor and former Lord Mayor Christy Burke said:

“We’ve called on the American Government to intervene and use their influence with Israel to stop the indiscriminate slaughter in Gaza but they’ve actually done the opposite with their vetoing of the UN call for a ceasefire.

“It’s no time to celebrate with the ambassador”

Cllr Perry said:

“The genocide in Gaza must stop.

“We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire and for the release of humanitarian aid into Gaza”