Sally Rooney's Pro-Palestine Speech at Book Event in 2023

On September 26, 2023, renowned author Sally Rooney opened an event at the Southbank Centre to discuss her latest novel, Intermezzo. Before diving into her book, she addressed the audience about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, which has escalated significantly over the past year. Rooney described the military campaign as one characterized by mass murder and structural devastation, with a staggering death toll exceeding 40,000, including nearly 17,000 children. She emphasized the irreplaceable loss of life and the destruction of cultural sites, which she argued reflects a broader context of genocide. Rooney's speech also touched on the expansion of military actions into Lebanon, highlighting the tragic loss of civilian lives in both regions. She attributed the roots of this violence to the illegal Israeli occupation and the apartheid system imposed on Palestinians. While Israel has denied these claims, asserting its actions are aimed at eradicating Hamas, Rooney's remarks echoed sentiments shared by various human rights organizations and the UN. In her call to action, Rooney urged the audience to remain vigilant and not succumb to despair or fatigue. She stressed the importance of continued protests and advocacy for the Palestinian cause, framing it as a moral obligation for those in more fortunate circumstances. The event concluded with a discussion between Rooney and fellow author Merve Emre, covering a range of topics, but the focus on Palestine remained a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many.