Sheffield’s Palestinian solidarity campaigners rallied in the town centre today for their second demonstration of the week.
Palestinian flags and pro-Palestine banners, made by a range of Solidarity groups from across the region, filled the steps of the city hall, where campaigners gathered to show their support a week on from the beginning of the conflict.
Maxine Bowler, Vice President of Sheffield Trade Union, said: “We grieve the loss of all life but we stand squarely alongside the oppressed people of Palestine.
“Gaza is now like a giant open air prison.
“This is collective punishment of Palestinian people and we must stand against it.”
The gathering occured after the Israli Minister announced that Gaza would be denied access to electricity, medical equipment and running water.
Chants of ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free’ echoed from the crowd of protesters.
Hanzalah Yaqub, Campaigns officer of the University of Sheffield’s PalSoc, was amongst those giving speeches at the rally.
He said: “There are currently over a million Palestinians in North Gaza, where are they meant to evacuate to?
“Where could they find safety in 24 hours?
“Where could they find safety if they were given 24 years?”
Jenny Richardson, from Kairos Sheffield, a Christian charity, hopes that the current turmoil affecting both Gaza and Israel will soon stop.
Speaking on behalf of her organisation, she said: “We are so deeply saddened by the loss of life in both Gaza and Israel in recent days.
“Each individual person is precious.
“I still have hope that one day Palestinians and Israelis will live in peace.”
