Charities join forces to lobby MPs for a ceasefire in Gaza

Supporters of Christian Aid, CAFOD, Islamic Relief, Parents for Palestine, Action Against Hunger and Friends of the Earth and other charities are heading for London this week to lobby MPs over the crisis in the Middle East.

They are calling for politicians to meet with their constituents and discuss the desperate need for an end to the fighting in Gaza.

One hundred campaigners are gathering, on Thursday, March 14, from noon-4pm, at the Thames Pavilion, near Westminster, in an initiative led by Oxfam GB, with support from Flick Drummond, MP for Meon Valley, in Hampshire.

Since the appalling attacks of October 7, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 were taken hostage by Hamas, more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, thousands more injured and nearly two million have had to leave their homes and are facing starvation in Gaza.

International agencies say the only way essential aid can get to those who need it, is with a permanent ceasefire - and the UK Government must use its diplomatic influence to help end the cycle of violence.

They are also calling for the UK to stop arms sales to Israel, while there is a risk of them being used in violations of international law.

Jennifer Larbie, Christian Aid's Head of UK Advocacy and Campaigns, explained the organisation wants the UK Government to fully fund UN-led humanitarian relief in Gaza.

She added: "The only way to end the war on Gaza and get the aid which is so desperately needed in to the area, is a permanent ceasefire. History will judge those with power for what we did in the face of the slaughter and brutality in Gaza - the UK Government needs to stand up for the innocent people killed in this war."