Max HeyraudSophie Ní Choimín, a 27-year-old musician from Clane now living in Galway and lead singer of the Kettle Boilers, has entered the sixth day of a hunger strike in protest against the ongoing blockade of Gaza and the delay in passing Ireland’s Occupied Territories Bill.
Sophie Ní Choimín began her hunger strike on May 21st and is reportedly experiencing coughing, dizziness, body pain, and severe hunger pangs. Her family has expressed deep concern for her health.
Ní Choimín stated she will not end her hunger strike until the Irish Government passes the Occupied Territories Bill into law and facilitates aid deliveries into Gaza, which have been severely restricted since a blockade was imposed in March.
She is expected to attend the Dáil on Tuesday but says she has not received any response from government officials so far. Ní Choimín has previously taken part in demonstrations and fundraising efforts for Palestine but says those actions are no longer enough in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis.
One person wrote in support of Sophie’s hunger strike, “You are allowed to disagree with Sophie’s actions. In fact, I welcome you to – if it means that you will speak up to those WE have elected into power. They are our representatives. Use your voice to speak through them. Scream and cry and beg if you need to. It hurts, but it’s supposed to.”
You can assist Ní Choimín’s campaign by contacting your local TDs, urging them to support the Occupied Territories Bill. TDs’ contact details are available on www.oireachtas.ie or through the Oireachtas Members Directory.
