Hundreds join second Gaza protest in Birmingham's Bullring

Jan 3 2009 by Andy Richards, Birmingham Mail

SWARMS of demonstrators joined a second street protest in Birmingham against the devastating Israeli attacks in Gaza.

Hundreds of people gathered outside Bullring last night, in a protest similar to one on Monday which saw up to 700 taking part.

The organisers of the Birmingham demonstrations are Midlands Palestinian Community Association (MPCA), the West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign (WMPSC) and Birmingham Stop the War Coalition.

Kamel Hawwash, chairman of the MPCA described the events in Gaza as a “Horrorcaust”.

He said: “People in Birmingham from all walks of life, Jews, Muslims, Christians and non-believers have shown their support for those in Gaza.

“Candles were lit to mark the killing of Palestinians and we will continue to protest if the killing does not stop.”

Mr Hawwash said life for Palestinians was becoming increasingly difficult and “prison-like”.

“People have been living under siege in Gaza for 18 months. They are running out of water, gas and fuel and there is little food and medicine. We are concerned for the safety and well-being of relatives and friends who are again suffering under the collective punishment being meted out by Israel, a state that continues to operate above the law and in defiance of accepted human rights conventions.