Thousands take part in vigils for Gaza peace

Holy Family placard outside Sir Keir Starmer's office. Image: ICN/JS

As the horrendous death toll in Gaza mounts, thousands of people took part in peace demonstrations in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland on Saturday - appealing to the British government to use its influence to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

In north London, one group, which included Muslims, Christians and Jews, marched from Chalk Farm Station to Camden Town, where they gathered outside the office of their local MP, Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer, calling for an end to the bloodshed.

One protester commented: "Gaza is the place the Holy Family fled through on their way to Egypt, escaping King Herod and the slaughter of the innocents. Now families, who have lost everything are fleeing there again. It is hard to comprehend. "

Catholic Dr Swee Ang, from Medical Aid for Palestine, describes the latest situation in Gaza's hospitals which have been damaged by bombed and are being evacuated: https://mediaview.aljazeera.com/video/NESQOTkrJl

Lawyer Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteu on the occupied Palestinian territories gave the following Address to the National Press Club of Australia: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAnn07kilFk

Medical Aid for Palestine: www.map.org.uk/