Dozens of people have gathered at a Southampton Palestinian Solidarity Campaign vigil after the outbreak of war in Israel.
Southampton residents rallied outside the Civic Centre on Tuesday after Hamas terrorists carried out an attack in Israel, killing many.
Many people at the vigil have previously attended rallies to support the Palestinian people.
Hamas sent fighters across the border to Israel and fired thousands of rockets on Saturday in an unprecedented attack.
Retired school teacher Glyn Oliver, 69, said: “I have been here on this corner outside the Civic Centre many times, attending vigils for the deaths of Palestinians.
“Today we also mourn and grieve the death of Israelis.
“We want non-violent solutions to end the occupation and oppression of Palestinians.”
Campaigner Helen Field echoed Glyn’s sentiments.
The 69-year-old said: “I can’t sit in my armchair and not do something. More violence is not the answer.
"There’s got to be peaceful negotiations. I am horrified.”
Parveen Ishfaq, 54, said she stands with the people of Palestine.
She said: “The killings and murders of innocent people and children – it’s like a human life means nothing.
“We send this message loud and clear, no matter where we are in the world.
“We will stand with the people of Palestine.
“Hamas attacked Israelis and I am not saying that is right. Every life matters.
“It seems like people’s lives don’t matter at the moment.
“Every life, Palestinian and Israeli, matters.
“Everybody came together for this so why are the standards different? Innocent people are being killed.”
The vigil comes after councillor Rob Humby, leader of Hampshire County Council, followed the Prime Minister’s commitment to support the Jewish community after Hamas’s attack on Israel.
At a cabinet meeting on October 10, Cllr Humby said: “We have all watched in horror the reports of Israel of the appalling acts of terror perpetrated against Israeli citizens by Hamas.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by these awful events, including those in Hampshire who are family and friends trapped in the region.
“Along with the Prime Minister, I want to express my commitment to ensuring the Jewish community in Hampshire feels safe and secure at this time.
“If the community needs any support, I urge them to contact the County Council.”
The attack of Hamas on Israel shocked the world at the weekend as the terrorist organisation entered the area where a music festival was being held, executing and kidnapping civilians and soldiers as a result of year-long Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Between Saturday and Monday morning, Israel bombed 1,200 targets in Gaza.
The country said it had recovered practically all control of the towns attacked by Hamas in an unprecedented incursion that has left more than 900 Israelis dead, the vast majority civilians, with more than 100 people taken hostage.
Authorities in Gaza say more than 680 have been killed in the territory, with dozens more taken hostage by Hamas.
According to the Israel Defence Force (IDF), 1,500 Hamas militants have been found on Israeli territory.
The IDF says 300,000 Israeli soldiers have been mobilised over the last 48 hours, with 35 battalions being organised into four divisions.
Additional reporting by Natalia Forero, Local Democracy Reporter.
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