An "emotional" pro-ceasefire demonstration reportedly drew a crowd of hundreds in Watford town centre.
Between 12pm and 2pm on Saturday (December 16), locals gathered in High Street, near St Mary’s Church, to remember those that have died in Gaza and call for a ceasefire.
The ongoing offensive, launched in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack in Israel, has reportedly killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, displaced some 1.9 million, demolished much of northern Gaza and sparked attacks on US and Israeli targets across the region.
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Activists believe around 300 people were there as banners and flags were raised. Speakers gave speeches, the poem 'If I must die' by Refaat Alareer was read out, and a condolence book was signed by around 50.
Those involved told the Watford Observer that they had contacted police about the event ahead of time and praised the officers on duty on the day.
According to attendees, one member of the public verbally clashed with some demonstrators but there was no violence and police nearby did not need to get involved.
“It was a very good turnout,” said one of the organisers, Khalid Haneef, adding that he was glad to see the number of families attending together.
“It was very emotional, some of the adults did walk up in tears.”
Signs featured death toll numbers and the names of Palestinians killed.
Also on display were posters with the words to Mr Alareer’s final poem before he was killed by an Israeli air strike, and the names of children under five who were also killed in Gaza.
A recording from Saturday's speeches shows activist Shabbir Lakha highlighting the importance of protest in protecting freedoms.
Mr Haneef explained that the vigil was initially intended to also be a fundraiser, but it was not possible to get a licence for fundraising in the high street in time for the afternoon.
He said that after the success of the event, the group hopes to hold another one and “dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s”, although they hope an end to the violence will mean they will not have to.
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