Solidarity march for Palestine in Swindon

Swindon Palestine Solidarity (SPS) are inviting the community to join in a peaceful march on Saturday December 16.

The march will call for justice and raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Palestine. 

Participants will gather at The Lawns' entrance on High Street, on the corner with Charlotte Mews, at 11am and begin the march at 11.30 am.

The organisers say the march will proceed through the heart of Swindon, making significant stops to deliver powerful messages and reminders of the lives affected by the conflict. 

Israel launched military action in Gaza after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, during which more than 1000 Israelis - many of them civilians - were killed and more than 200 hostages taken. 

An SPS spokesperson said: "As of 14 December, the death toll in the Israeli aggression on Gaza since October 7 has risen to 18,787 people with 50,897 people injured. Over 6000 of those are children and many victims are still under the rubble, unable to be found.

"The first stop for the march will be at the local MP's office on Wood Street.

"The procession will continue to BBC Wiltshire, urging the media to report on the issues facing the Palestinian people accurately and fairly. The march will conclude at Regent Circus at around 12.30pm where speakers will share insights, stories, and calls to action.

"The UN World Health Organisation said on Tuesday that the last barely functioning hospital in northern Gaza is a humanitarian disaster zone, highlighting the disastrous consequences of the ongoing Israeli bombardment for critically ill and injured civilians across the enclave."

The spokesperson added: "About 1.8 million people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza. The United Nations said that half of Gaza’s population is starving. 

"Civilians trying to survive persistent bombardment face harsh living conditions as the temperature drops, with winds and heavy rain. There is insufficient access to warm clothing, and outbreaks of disease in overcrowded makeshift shelters. Food, fuel, and water are ever scarcer and the price of what remains is spiralling. 

"SPS calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the occupation. We urge the British government to cease arming the onslaught on Palestinians and providing cover for it. It is time for the international community to uphold the principles of justice and human rights for all."