Thousands attend Rochdale Rally for Gaza

Rochdale Rally for Gaza

6 More Image(s) In Gallery

Scroll down for Video

Thousands of people gathered this afternoon (Sunday 27 July) outside of Rochdale Town Hall to show their support for and solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

It is estimated that over 5,000 people made their way in to Rochdale Town centre for the rally to hear a number of speakers who were aiming to highlight the injustice being meted out to the Palestinians by Israel.

Mohammed Shafiq, who helped to organise the rally said: “It is amazing to see so many people here today. It is absolutely amazing to see so many people here to support solidarity and injustice in Gaza.”

Speakers at the rally included Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, Rabbi Ahron Cohen, Afzal Kham MEP, Shaykh Muhammad Umar, Linda Chair, Maz Bonafide and Mohammed Luqman.

Simon Dancuzk said: “As the MP for Rochdale it is my privilege to be able to speak on behalf of the people of Rochdale and I know that if you tell the people of Rochdale what is going on and you explain to the people of Rochdale what is going on in Gaza then they will stand with and support Gaza.

“We need the government to apply more pressure on America, Israel and the EU to do something about this situation. Whether or not I am the MP for this town, I will always campaign for the Palestinian people.”

When guest speakers were not echoing words of support for the people of Gaza, those attending the rally filled the silence with “Free, Free Palestine” chants. Hundreds of those who attended held the flag of Palestine high in the air.

Mohammed Shafiq added: "I am proud that Rochdale has put together this rally to show solidarity with the people of Gaza who are being killed in their hundreds. We hold Israel responsible for the killings and call for an end to the violence and collective punishment of the people of Gaza.”