SUPPORTERS of the international development agency Christian Aid are heading for London this week to lobby MPs over the crisis in the Middle East. They are calling for politicians to meet with their constituents and discuss the desperate need for an end to the fighting in Gaza.

One hundred campaigners are gathering on Thursday, 14 March from noon to 4pm, at the Thames Pavilion near Westminster, in an initiative led by Oxfam GB, with support from Flick Drummond, MP for Meon Valley in Hampshire.

Christian Aid is supporting the action, alongside other charities including CAFOD, Islamic Relief, Parents for Palestine, Action Against Hunger and Friends of the Earth.

Since the appalling attacks of 7 October, more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, thousands more injured and nearly two million have had to leave their homes. Thousands of Israelis have also been killed and injured, while others have been forcibly taken.

International agencies like Oxfam and Christian Aid say the only way essential aid can get to those who need it, is with a permanent ceasefire – and the UK Government must use its diplomatic influence to help end the cycle of violence. They are also calling for the UK to stop arms sales to Israel, while there is a risk of them being used in violations of international law.

Jennifer Larbie, Christian Aid’s Head of UK Advocacy and Campaigns, explained the organisation wants the UK Government to fully fund UN-led humanitarian relief in Gaza. She added: “The only way to end the war on Gaza and get the aid which is so desperately needed in to the area, is a permanent ceasefire. History will judge those with power for what we did in the face of the slaughter and brutality in Gaza – the UK Government needs to stand up for the innocent people killed in this war.”

* Source: Christian Aid