Campaigners call for end to conflict in Gaza

The Worcestershire Palestine Solidarity Group held a vigil in Worcester High Street on Saturday, urging passers-by to sign a petition against Israel and donate money for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

It is thought 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis have been killed since Israel began firing rockets into the Gaza Strip more than three weeks ago.

The two sides reached a fragile ceasefire at the weekend as the British government announced it would be giving another £20 million in aid to the Middle Eastern country.

Worcester Sixth Form College student Nazia Tabbasum, aged 18, is chairman of Worcestershire’s multi-faith campaign group, which also held a similar rally last weekend.

She said: “We’re really raising awareness and showing people that what is happening must stop. The fighting cannot go on and we, ordinary people, can stand up and speak out and, hopefully, make a difference.”

Group member Mark Foster said: “Across the world people are discussing the conflict. It’s been quite noticeable that people understand that something seriously wrong has been going on in Gaza. It bodes well for the future that actions of the ordinary person can change things.”

The group, affiliated to the national Palestine Solidarity Group, has now raised more than £750 for aid and secured 1,100 signatures on its petition, which calls for Israeli troop withdrawal, closure of underground tunnels used to smuggle arms, and the re-opening of borders.

On Friday night, members of the group lobbied Worcester MP Mike Foster, as a government minister working in the International Development Department, at his surgery in Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Warndon Villages.

Mr Foster – who spent the weekend in Jerusalem in a bid to get more aid into Gaza – faced tough questioning, but declined to sign the petition.

Instead he asked the group to “trust him” and appreciate that the Government was doing everything it could to secure a permanent ceasefire.