IT’S almost been one year since weekly peace vigils began in Carlisle as a response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle and District started their weekly vigils on October 21, 2023, shortly after violence ensued following the Hamas attacks on October 7.

According to Al Jazeera (October 9), the latest death toll stands at 42,979 Palestinians and 1,139 people killed in Israel since this time last year.

The group have been a regular presence in the city centre, calling for a ceasefire, advocating for boycotts of firms with alleged ties to Israel, and petitioning MPs to take action, while continuing to collect donations for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). 

The group has been protesting Barclays alleged links to IsraelThe group has been protesting Barclays alleged links to Israel (Image: Ian Duncan)

Fiona Goldie, a member of the group, said: "Regardless of what anyone’s opinion is of October the 7th, or of the assaults taking place in the other direction on October 6th, 5th, 4th, or of the history of the region for over seven decades, children are not responsible for any of this and deserve protection from war and violence.

"We stand each week in Carlisle’s city centre to try to make that protection a reality.

"A ceasefire is necessary to enable the protection of everyone, on all sides, from the horrors of escalation.

Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group Christmas vigil, 2023. Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group Christmas vigil, 2023. (Image: Fiona Goldie)

"Whether they be Palestinian civilians or Israeli hostages, and whether they are in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, Lebanon, Yemen or Iran, further violence is not the answer.

"More bloodshed only leads to more fear and resentment, which in turn fuels more violence.

"The world must negotiate a just peace for all who live in the ‘holy land’ and it must do so urgently,” she said.

Group took their campaign to Sainsbury's in April this yearGroup took their campaign to Sainsbury's in April this year (Image: Fiona Goldie)

The group plans to screen the documentary Where Olive Trees Weep at Penrith’s Haydock Community Centre on Friday, October 18, at 6.30pm on the back of a successful Carlisle screening.

MPs are being invited to attend.

This follows a gathering of around 60 people in Carlisle to hear Marwan Darweish, professor of Peace Studies at Coventry University, discuss the reality of everyday life in the West Bank.

Group hosts Marwan Darweish, professor of Peace Studies at Coventry University. Group hosts Marwan Darweish, professor of Peace Studies at Coventry University. (Image: Fiona Goldie)

The group's next vigil is scheduled for this Saturday at 1pm in Carlisle city centre.