War and Peace by Lynda Walker
LAST week Gaza’s Health Ministry said that the number of deaths registered since 2023 by hospitals there is over 50,021. This does not include those who are buried under rubble or whose deaths have not been verified by a hospital. Gaza’s authorities say 11,000 people are missing or presumed dead.
The most recent attacks on Gaza have produced protests globally from San Francisco to Ireland where thousands marched in Dublin calling on the Irish Government to impose sanctions.
However, one of the biggest demonstrations took place in Tel Aviv where more than 100,000 people protested last week against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning his resumed war on Gaza and demanding a deal to bring the remaining hostages home.
This is one the most important developments that may help stop the massacres of the Palestinian people-this is not the first show of opposition to Netanyahu but it does reflect a growth in the movement against the right wing policies of his government.
Ukraine is also in the headlines. In Britain Keir Starmer is determined to keep the ‘bomb’ fires burning by supplying missiles and armaments to Ukraine. In the same breath he talks of sending thousands of British “peace keeping troops.”
In December 2024 John Healy UK’s Defence Secretary said British troops may be sent to Ukraine to train up soldiers in its war against Russia. A strange remark to make because British soldiers were in Ukraine training soldiers in 2020.
Amazingly a news item last Friday 21st showed Prince William visiting British troops on the border between Estonia and Russia.
Sinn Fein’s Spring International Newsletter reports:
“War in Ukraine-Peace must prevail! “To mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mary Lou McDonald TD called for an end to Russia’s brutal invasion, the restoration of respect for international law and the building of a pathway to peace through inclusive engagement and dialogue.”
The Sinn Féin President said: “For three years, the people of Ukraine have bravely resisted Russia’s brutal invasion of their country.”
She makes no mention of the brutal attack in 2014 in Donbass by Ukraine forces when thousands were killed and when trade unionists were burnt in their HQ.
“Ireland has stood resolutely with the Ukrainian people as they defend the right of their nation to freedom and sovereignty. The human cost of the invasion has been paid in a terrible loss of life and destruction.”
The above paragraph gives no recognition to the role of Nato, EU military and the weaponry that has been poured into the proxy war. Is this the acceptance of Ireland joining Nato?
McDonald says “The efforts of the international community must be focused on building a pathway to peace through inclusive engagement and good faith dialogue.” No disagreements with this but-
“The aim must be to secure an end to the invasion and a withdrawal of Russia’s military. “Peace must prevail. “Russia’s military aggression cannot be rewarded.” We ask-should Nato’s aggression be rewarded?
“We must see a restoration of respect for international law and the upholding of Ukraine’s right to sovereignty, self-determination and freedom, the right of Ukraine to live as free nation.”
The above statements could have come straight from the mouths of Nato commanders and Keir Starmer.
Within the republican movement there has always been a left and a right and it is disappointing to see Sinn Fein expressing what some would consider a pro-imperialist viewpoint.
The working class of Ukraine and Russia is paying the price of the war in Ukraine. Both countries have capitalist economic interests and we know that Putin is no friend of communism. Equally we know that the western arms companies are rolling in the profits. Peace is the only answer.
This week President Zelenski has emphasised that Ukraine is open to President Trump’s proposal of a full, 30-day ceasefire. President Putin has made commitment to a complete ceasefire conditional on a halt of arms supplies to Kiev and a suspension of Ukraine’s military mobilisation.
At the National Executive Committee meeting on Saturday 22nd of March, the Irish Communist Party reiterated the demand for an end to the proxy war in Ukraine, a stop to military supplies and equipment to Ukraine and a lasting peace.