A PROTEST by Sinn Fein MLAs at Stormont concerning the Middle East crisis is motivated by their antipathy towards Israel, it has been claimed.
Republican representatives held a rally on the steps at Parliament Buildings on Monday in support of the Palestinian people of Gaza.
It is reported over 900 people have been killed in the conflict between Hamas and the Israeli government, as diplomatic efforts continue in an attempt to end the bloodshed.
DUP MLA Robin Newton said the Sinn Fein protest was "blinkered and one-sided".
"Sinn Fein's event is not inspired by concerns for innocent people but is motivated by their antipathy towards Israel and her people," he said.
"If Sinn Fein is to have any credibility at all on this issue they need to call on Hamas to reject terrorism and embrace democratic principles.
"Failure to condemn Hamas and their barbaric actions confirms just how blinkered and one-sided Sinn Fein and those like them, who took to the streets of Belfast at the weekend, really are."
Sinn Fein would be better advised to call upon Hamas to create the circumstances in which a ceasefire can occur by ending their indiscriminate rocket attacks on Southern Israel, Mr Newton added.
Over 2,000 people took part in a demonstration against the Middle East violence in Belfast on Saturday.
Bombers in Gaza march are branded 'hypocrites'The full article contains 234 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
