OVER 17,000 pairs of children's shoes will be lined up outside Stormont later this month.

The shoes, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours will represent approximately 17,000 children who, to date, have been killed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

The event is being coordinated by Enniskillen man Dylan Quinn, who wants to highlight the ongoing deaths of innocent people, specifically children, across Gaza.

"Over 17,000 children to date have been killed by the Israeli Defense Forces," said Mr. Quinn.

"They are innocent victims responsible for none of the events that have taken place; however, their lives have clearly been seen as not important, not valuable enough to protect.

"Their deaths are seen as acceptable consequences by the Israeli Defense Forces."

The event will take place on Sunday, November 24, outside the Stormont buildings in Belfast.

For Dylan, the inspiration to hold the event is deeply personal.

"Years ago, I was studying Peace Studies, and I made a friend, Mohammad," he said. "A few months ago, some friends and I raised $20,000 to help him get out of Gaza.

"We discovered a few weeks ago that his four-year-old niece, Lana, had been killed by the Israeli Defense Forces. Just the other day, his 12-year-old neighbor was killed.

"I wanted to do something to acknowledge the number of deaths inflicted on the Palestinian people. I wanted to honor her life and the lives of other children who have been killed as collateral damage."

Mr. Quinn continued: "It feels like an abstract concept, but less so when you consider that there are fewer than 17,000 people under 25 in the Fermanagh and Omagh council area.

"Each shoe will represent a young life that has been ended abruptly by the Israeli Defense Forces.

"This is about people speaking out, giving them a way to share their voices and to remind people of the horror that’s going on.

"Our government may not have much sway, but if every government were to stand up and call on the Israeli government to stop committing genocide, maybe we could have some sort of impact."

Mr. Quinn has urged anyone who wishes to support or participate in the event to get in touch.

"We hope to arrange drop-off points across the island, so if you are willing to help, please let us know," he said.

"I have created an event page (on Facebook) that will be a central point for sharing information and planning.

"All shoes will be collected in Enniskillen in advance of November 24.

"Please show your support and demand that it stops now. Demand that those responsible be held accountable in a court of law.

"Demand that a safe, secure, and sustainable future be established for the Palestinian people.

"Please don’t stay silent. Please speak out. If it were your children, you would want others to."