On Wednesday night, the Israeli armed forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla approaching Gaza, once again criminally blocking vital supplies from reaching the strip. Among others, fourteen Irish citizens have been ‘arrested’ by the IDF and are still being held in detention. We must call this for what it is – another criminal action by a terrorist state with the full backing of western imperialism.
Almost two years on since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza, the solidarity of workers and youth has not abated. On the contrary – the latest outrage has sparked a new wave of protests across Europe, with millions taking to the streets. Inspired by the Italian dockworkers, the mood at these protests is much more militant than before – there is a determination to do something now.
The Italian workers and youth have shown the way forward, with a mass protest on 22 September and a general strike called for today. They have shown by force the power of the working class when American and Israeli cargo ships were forced to turn away from Italian ports.
Here in Ireland, the response was immediate too, people understood that militant action needs to be taken, and this is resonating with tens of thousands of workers and students sick to the stomach with the genocide and the inaction of the ruling class. Hundreds of workers and youth poured into Dublin’s streets, determined to lock it down. Similar protests happened in Cork, Limerick, Derry, Belfast and all major towns across Ireland. RCI comrades were in attendance at these demonstrations across the country.
In Dublin in particular, over 400 attended a lunchtime emergency protest in front of the Dáil, which then moved on to block the Dublin Port Tunnel. This is a key artery of Dublin’s commerce – with €165 billion worth of trade passing through it every year. Protesters blocked every truck and car from entering or leaving.
What is interesting is that large sections of drivers blocked weren’t angry at us. Their fury was aimed at the government – the cowards who turn the other cheek while Israel slaughters and starves. And when RCI comrades talked about the power of the working class to fight back against the imperialist machines, and on the need for further militant action, this was well received by those around us.
Yesterday’s protest was an important milestone for the movement – a significant escalation after almost two years of protests. But make no mistake – this was only a glimpse of what’s possible.
If 400 workers and students can block Dublin’s main artery on their lunch break, imagine what we would be able to achieve with the full power of the Irish working class set in motion against this imperialist genocide.
As the Marxist revolutionary Ted Grant explained: “not a wheel turns, not a phone rings, not a light bulb shines without the kind permission of the working class. Once this enormous power is mobilised, no force on earth can stop it.”
What we need is mass direct action against the imperialists and their lackeys, what we need is a workers’ boycott – like in Italy, let’s block everything! Not a cent, not a bullet, not a nail for the Israeli war machine should be allowed to pass through Ireland.
The majority of workers and youth around Ireland want to take action against the genocide. The trade unions have tremendous power in their hands, and could mobilise tens and hundreds of thousands against the war.
Unfortunately though, despite all the statements in support, when it comes to putting them into action the trade union bureaucracy has been dragging their feet for two years now. It is time to put the money where their mouth is – and organise for a full workers’ boycott of Israel.
Afterall, the imperialists supporting the war in Gaza are the same responsible for attacking the working class here in Ireland. We must fight back!
Shut it all down!
