Pro-Palestine protestors in Northern Ireland target Home Bargains with protest against Israeli killings in Gaza

The gathering at the Pennyburn branch on Strand Road in Londonderry has been organised by the local branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

It is due to take place at 2pm on Saturday.

The organisers say it is to mark "National Boycott Israeli Goods Day," adding: "Join us with flags, placards and banners to send a message that Derry boycotts Israeli goods."

It comes after protestors in west Belfast recently entered a branch of Sainsbury's, shouting and chanting and parading around the store with flags, in a similar call for a boycott of Israeli goods (see here):

• Palestine protestors march through west Belfast Sainsbury's supermarket – man points to Israeli items on shelves and shouts that shop is 'funding genocide'

The Home Bargains chain has been targeted by protestors before in Northern Ireland going back to at least 2020, apparently over a brand of beauty products it sells which is made in Israel.

Activists have previously gone into the Yorkgate branch in north Belfast to plaster the products with pro-Palestinian messages.

Asked about the upcoming protest, Home Bargains has told the News Letter today: "There is nobody available for comment."

Meanwhile another large-scale pro-Palestine rally is planned for Belfast city centre this Saturday, and that Saturday after that.

There have already been two such demonstrations on two previous Saturdays in the same location (as well as smaller rallies in Londonderry, Portadown, Newry, and elsewhere).

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Organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the upcoming Belfast city centre one will begin at noon in Donegall Street, then proceed to Royal Avenue and the City Hall.

The 11/1 form lodged with the Parades Commission says it will involve up to 3,000 participants and 1,000 supporters.

The one on November 4 will be of a similar nature.