Protestors lined a busy Stroud High Street on Saturday morning to protest against the renewed violence in Gaza.
The rally was organised at short notice on Thursday evening as a direct response to the breaking of the ceasefire and Israel’s bombing of Gaza. It was organised by the Stroud Ceasefire Now Coalition, a group that has held vigils every Friday evening in Stroud since late 2023.
Theresa Mansbridge introduced the first speaker, Michelle from Stroud Against Racism, before Meg and Teddy from RYSE (Radical Youth Space for Educations) performed a song.
Jeremy Green from Stroud Constituency Labour Party read a statement from Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher: “Can I start by saying that I’m really sorry that I cannot be with you all in person today. But thank you for asking me to be part of this demonstration of peace, humanity, and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“We had all hoped that the ceasefire would hold and provide some relief for the people of Gaza. Instead, we witnessed Israel’s blatant disregard for the terms of the ceasefire with their killing of some 400 Palestinians and injuring of over 500 – an appalling escalation.
“Those who are responsible for Israel’s war crimes must be held to account. The time for government action is now. It is unacceptable that British-made weapons continue to be exported and used by the Israeli government in Gaza. I am continuing to push the Government to implement a full ban on arms transfers to Israel, not just the current 30.
“We can and we must go further. It’s why I am calling on the Government to impose travel bans and assets freezes against all individuals with involvement in maintaining the illegal occupation, to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements and to tear up the 2030 roadmap which seeks to deepen ties with the Israeli government.
“I want to thank the hundreds of constituents who have gotten in touch with me. It is a powerful reminder that the people of Stroud will always stand on the side of peace, justice and human rights.”
Other speakers were Colin Levine from Na’amod (a movement of Jews in the UK seeking to end the community’s support for Israel’s occupation) and Robin Layfield representing Stroud District Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
The Stroud Ceasefire Now Coalition consists of: Stroud Friends of Palestine; Stroud Against Racism; Parents for Future Stroud; The RYSE; Stroud Quakers; Nailsworth Quakers; Stroud Red Band; Stroud District Palestine Solidarity Campaign; Stroud District Together With Refugees and Community Solidarity Stroud District.
Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood.
