EMOTIONAL candlelit vigils are being held each night in Manchester in protest against the continuing air strikes in Gaza.

Hundreds of people angry at the Israeli military action gather on Oxford Road for hour-long evening vigils and a protest march through the city is planned for this Saturday.

Palestinian officials say more than 360 people have been killed since Israel began its bombardment of the Gaza Strip four days ago

Four Israelis have also been killed by rockets fired by Hamas.
British-Palestinian Mohamed Ghalaieny, a 29-year-old PhD student at Manchester University from Gaza, said: "The atmosphere at the vigil has been one of frustration.

"People are angry that this can be allowed to happen in the 21st century.
"That a country can be allowed to bomb defenceless people in Gaza and in the space of around 48 hours kill more than 360 and injure 1,500.

"My father Bahaa lives in Gaza and I'm obviously very worried that his next journey could mean he's caught up in it, or the Israelis could decide to target someone next to where he lives."

Chair of Manchester Council for Community Relations, Mike Hendrickson said: "The conflict between Israel and Hamas has now taken up too many innocent lives. An immediate ceasefire is necessary to stop the loss of needless lives. The United Nations Security Council should act swiftly to bring about pressure on both sides to stop the carnage."

Chief executive of MCCR, Khan Moghal added: "We are now entering a phase where each side wants to gain maximum advantage before they are forced to halt the fighting. Unfortunately, this results in more people being killed just so that the warring sides are able to negotiate from a point of strength. People of Manchester are being affected by seeing the killing on their TV screens. This distressing ‘show’ must now be halted."

Muslim leaders in Rochdale have also condemned Israel’s military assault on Gaza and are calling for an end to violence.

The Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, a council of all Rochdale mosques, is urging the British government to persuade Israel to find alternative ways to resolve its issues with Palestine.

A committee spokesman said: "Israel’s violation of international humanitarian law as defined in the Geneva Convention has led to mass bloodshed and unnecessary loss of civilian life.

"Military aggression can never be seen as a lasting solution to the situation in Gaza and the world recognises this.

"It is time for Israel to understand this and step back from the brink to prevent any further loss of life."

As EU officials meet to discuss the crisis, some reports from Israel suggest there could be a temporary truce, although a top Israeli official has confirmed they are ready for `long weeks of action'.

Israeli jets have been targeting Hamas buildings in Gaza in a bid to stop the militant organisation rocket attacks into Israel.

A vigil is being held tonight at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester strating at 5pm.

Bury Stop the War Coalition has organised a protest at 11.30 on the steps of Bury Town Hall (Elizabethan Suite) tomorrow (Sat 3 January). The protest is supported by the Palestine Solidairty Campaign and

Action Palestine has booked a coach to go from Manchester to the national demo in London this Saturday. Tickets cost £10. For more information call 07599832052.