A GROUP of teenagers are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity when they hold a community festival to support aid efforts in Gaza.

Children from the Southampton Muslim Youth Campaign have arranged for an Eid Mela to be held at a Southampton mosque in aid of people living in the war-torn region.

Around 15 youngsters from the St Mary’sbased group have arranged the fair at Compton Walk’s Medina Mosque on Saturday, August 16 in order to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.

Leader of the group, Husam al Jabbar, said the teenagers wanted to raise cash for Islamic Relief, and specifically for those caught up in the fighting in the Middle East.

Husam, 18, said: “Other mosques will have their own melas as well. This is specifically for Palestine.

“The situation in Palestine is terrible, I don’t really need to explain more, we feel very passionate about what’s going on.

“This mela is not only about raising money but about raising awareness.”

Fun for all the family can be had with a range of stalls selling books, cakes and other food, a penalty shoot-out and other games at the mosque from 11am to 3pm.

Since July 8, when the Israeli offensive began, more than 1,800 people have died, the majority of those living in Gaza.

The Israeli Defence Force began their attacks after rockets were fired on Israeli civilians in Gaza.

The high death toll has meant that many people across Southampton are desperate to help those trapped among the fighting.

For one month Muslims across the world abstain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset and those who can afford to donate their income to charities.

During Ramadan, which ended with the Eid al-Fitr last week, Husam and his friends organised a car wash, which raised more than £2,000.