March calling for ceasefire in Palestine held in Rawtenstall

The 2.2 mile march began at 1:15pm from Rawtenstall Market to Haslingden Memorial Gardens and lasted around an hour.

The demonstration was organised in reaction to the ongoing situation between Israel and Palestine, with Stop the War Coalition’s East Lancashire contingent demanding an immediate ceasefire, calling for an end to the fighting in Gaza and Rafa, as well an end to the bombing in Yemen.

Large numbers came out to take part in the demo, including children and dogs, with Lancashire Police also attending.

A marcher said: "The police have been supportive of our intents up to now, and it seems people in the area do too.

"It is nice to hear beeping from cars and most of them are with us."

It follows a similar demonstration held last month, where around 300 people marched on Rawtenstall in support of the people of Palestine and demanded Rossendale and Darwen MP Sir Jake Berry back a Gaza ceasefire.

Marchers carried signs that said "Gaza stop the massacre" and waving Palestinian flags."

A spokesperson for the East Lancashire branch of Stop the War Coalition said: “The people of East Lancashire demand an immediate ceasefire now, to stop the genocide in Gaza and Rafa and to stop bombing Yemen.

“Last Saturday, we marched on the Israeli Embassy in London. We want a ceasefire now that is permanent, not weasel words from Keir Starmer. 

“We need to keep the pressure on; that means near where you live today. Please support this.”

A number of guest speakers in attendance were due to address the demonstrators at the end of the march, including Peter Billington from Lancashire Association of Trade Unions, David Vickers from Manchester Jewish Action for Palestine, Kamran Shah on behalf of the community and Rossendale and Hyndburn Palestine Solidarity vigils, and Penny Hicks from Stop the War Coalition.