LANCASHIRE Council of Mosques has organised a demonstration against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza that has claimed the lives of hundreds of Palestinians.

Prominent speakers will address the crowd outside the Old Town Hall in Blackburn town centre, including Dr Brian Iddon MP, Yvonne Ridley, former Express journalist and Lauren Booth, journalist and sister-in-law of former PM and current Middle East Peace Envoy Tony Blair.

Spokesman for Lancashire Council of Mosques, Farouk Hussain said the people of Lancashire wanted to express their outrage agianst the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza.

"Whilst all nations have the right of self defence, Israel has callously hijacked this principle as a premise for launching a vicious and barbaric assault on the helpless women, children and families of Gaza, having previously starved them of basic food, energy and medical supplies over many years," he said.

"We believe that the international community, especially Britain and the US, has an obligation to stand up and protect the rights of innocent civilians. These are values that decent people of all race and faith respect and believe in. We as a community will not stand by silently as this injustice continues.

"We call upon the British government to take a firm stand against the excessive and disproportionate actions of the state of Israel. The use of advanced military hardware and might by one nation against a people already suffering a humanitarian crisis -as acknowledged by the United Nations - is a despicable act of aggression which is against all conventions governing the acceptable conduct of responsible nations."

He added: "Britain, who was instrumental in creating the circumstances within which the origins of this Middle East dispute lie, has a moral obligation to speak out against the current atrocities and demand an immediate cessation of hostilities against the Palestinian peoples."

• The demonstration will take place on Sunday 11 January starting at 1:00pm outside Bangor St Community Centre, Norwich St, Blackburn BB1 6NZ. March will proceed to the Old Town Hall, Blackburn Town Centre, where prominent speakers will address the gathering.

In Manchester candlelit vigils outside the BBC on Oxford road are still continuing. Protesters have been gathering from 5.30-6.30pm every night at this continued show of support for the besieged and bombarded people of Gaza.

The vigil has been well attended with a mix of people from various backgrounds. Palestinian resident in Manchester, many who have family or friends in Gaza have also been attending.

• Thousands of people from Manchester and the north west will also join a march in London to protest at the Israeli war in Gaza. Coaches have been arranged to carry protesters to and from London. The march will start at Hyde Park Corner at 12.30pm and will proceed to the Israeli Embassy.

For further information contact: Mark Krantz on 07765122829 or Nahella Ashraf on 07988572976.