Tens of thousands of demonstrators took the streets on Saturday 19 July in response to the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza. More than 700 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed and 30 Israelis killed since Israel began Operation Protective Edge. Over 100,000 people have been displaced in Gaza. Last Sunday, the deadliest day of the conflict, cost the lives of more than 100 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers.

Further to addressing the demonstration, Rushanara said:

“In the past few days, Israel’s bombardment and ground offensive in the Gaza strip has intensified, along with repeated rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. The death toll has dangerously escalated with innocent civilians and many children being killed in this conflict.  My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones. Above all, these are perilous acts that only make the prospect of peace between Palestinians and Israelis ever increasingly difficult.

“The solidarity of those who gathered to demonstrate sends a clear and strong message to both the Israeli government and Hamas for an immediate end to this conflict. The International community must do considerably more to put an end to this intolerable situation by urging both sides to bring an end to the cycle of violence and agree to an immediate ceasefire.”