Protest calling for end to Israel-Hamas conflict takes place in Bath
Hundreds of people have gathered in Bath[1] this lunchtime (Saturday, November 4) calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
A number of speakers, including community leaders in the city and film director Ken Loach, spoke at the rally on Kingston Parade, to the south of Bath Abbey, before a march took place.
Supporting groups included Bath Campaigns Network, Bath University Islamic Society, Bath Friends of Palestine, Bath Stop War, Rethinking Security Bath, Bath Trades Union Council and local Amnesty International groups, as well as members of the Jewish community. Other speakers included Professor Jason Hart, Dr Mohammed Alruzzi and students from Gaza.
There was be a one-minute silence at 1pm in remembrance of the thousands of people who have been killed in the violence since October 7.
Hafedh Alaswadi, a student at Bath University and chair of Bath University's Islamic Society, said: “Justice will take its course. It always does. It’s a matter of being on the right side of history. We now look back and regret Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and many others. Don’t let Gaza be the next.
Dr Mohammed Alruzzi, a Palestinian from Gaza now living in Bath, said: “Like many others, I am worried about my family being killed by Israel. Not just one or two relatives, but my entire family.
"Tens of families have been completely wiped out over the last few weeks. Hundreds are being massacred even now. A ceasefire means saving lives. This state violence must be stopped.”
Mr Loach added: “We are witnessing a massacre of the innocents. The attacks by Israel on the people of Gaza are a collective punishment of a people who have been oppressed for many decades. The attack on Israel on October 7 was an atrocity, but it does not justify this disproportionate response.
"When our politicians collude in this crime against humanity we must speak out and demand an immediate ceasefire."