New collection of Dervla Murphy's writings to be launched on Wednesday

The Waterford author's writing on the Israel-Palestine conflict will provide context to the terrible events we are seeing unfold 

Late author Dervla Murphy at her home in Lismore, Co, Waterford. Picture: Denis Scannell

Were Dervla Murphy, Ireland’s most famous travel writer, still alive she would utterly despair of the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, having spent considerable time there, minutely examining the issues, talking to key players on both sides and to peace activists for her last two books about the conflict-ridden region.

Some of those she met and who told her of their hopes and dreams will undoubtedly have died since the incursion by Israeli forces over three weeks ago.