More on KentOnline
A protest group which supports the people of Palestine has written to MPs urging them to support a ceasefire and put an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Medway Palestine Solidarity Campaign is pleading with all three Tory members representing the Towns, to put pressure on the government to stop the export of arms and military tech to Israel which, it claims, is being used in attacks on the Palestinian civilian population.
It coincides with another planned march through Chatham tomorrow (November 4) with hundreds of banner-waving campaigners expected to attend.
Group chairman Steve Wilkins said: “In grave violation of international law Israel has placed Gaza under a total siege, cutting off electricity, fuel, water and food.
He continued: “Your action on this couldn’t be more pressing or urgent.
“The only way to stop the further deterioration of the situation is through a ceasefire, enforced and guaranteed by the UN.”
Banner-waving marchers gathered in Military Road last month to hear speeches from religious leaders across the county.
Mr Wilkins has stressed that the national activist organisation was not blaming Jews in this country for Israel’s ongoing assault on the war zone.
Instead, members, who include all faiths, were accusing Western governments of “hyprocisy” over their backing of the Israeli state.
He said: ”While a small amount of humanitarian aid has entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Crossing, it is severely inadequate to deal with the urgent level of need.”
Protestors will be gathering in Rhode Street, behind the Salvation Army church at 2pm and proceed along the High Street to the steps in Military Road.
The letter has been sent to Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Kelly Tolhurst, MP for Rochester and Strood and Rehman Chishti, MP for Gillingham and Rainham.
They are all asked to support independent investigations of all suspected violations of international law.
Disturbingly, it's reported that a child is killed every 15 minutes in Gaza
A statement from Medway Inter Faith Action said: “We urge all governments and the international community to act responsibly and help bring about an immediate ceasefire with justice for everyone including security for Israel and a viable homeland for the Palestinians to live together in freedom and peace.
“This can only be achieved with a meaningful dialogue to seek a long-term resolution of the conflict as neutral bodies truly wanting lasting peace in the region and not to help prolong the status quo any day longer.
“In addition, a humanitarian corridor must be opened in Gaza to allow food, water, medicines, medical equipment, fuel, and electricity for the people of Gaza under siege.”
The Mosque Association of Kent, which represents Islamic groups across the county, also said it supported an immediate ceasefire.
A group statement read: “The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 7,000 innocent civilians, predominantly women and children, losing their lives.
“Disturbingly, it's reported that a child is killed every 15 minutes in Gaza.
“In light of these circumstances, we request that you, as our elected MPs, issue a public statement within the next 24 hours, calling for an immediate ceasefire of the Israeli bombardment and for the provision of sufficient aid, electricity, food, and water to the Gaza Strip.
“As our political representatives, you are our voice, and we implore you to make a statement on behalf of the Palestinian lives affected by this conflict.
“While this is a relatively modest request, symbolically, it can make a significant impact.”
Meanwhile, security minister and Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat has said that a pro-Palestine protest due to take place the following weekend in central London at the same time as Remembrance events would be “inappropriate”.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators are planning to take to the streets, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s attacks on Gaza, on Armistice Day on Saturday, November 11.
There are fears the march could disrupt the two-minute silence commemorating the war dead.
Mr Tugendhat told BBC Breakfast on Friday morning: “Let’s be clear, the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign has said that they want to march on Remembrance Sunday, and that is a matter of great concern to me.”
Mr Tugendhat, a veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, added: “It is a moment where we remember those we lost, and I think for the whole country the Cenotaph is sacred ground and the idea that on a day like Remembrance Day you would have a protest going past it, I don’t think that is acceptable.”
The police commissioner for Kent has already promised protection to the county's Jewish community in the wake of a rise in anti-semitism following recent conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said earlier this month that all available powers must be employed by police to counter anyone "praising or glorifying" acts of terror.