Activists gather in Colchester to protest conflict between Palestine and Israel

Campaigners gathered outside Castle Park, in the town’s High Street, where they waved placards and flags.

The demonstration, which is reported to have attracted about 250 people, also featured guest speakers who told stories of what it is like to live in Palestine.

The protest was held in response to 11 days of fighting between Palestine and Israel.

More than 240 people - most of which were Palestinians in the territory of Gaza - have been killed as a result of the latest conflict.

It is believed the feud was reignited following clashes between Israeli officers and Palestinians during the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in mid-April.

Reports have suggested officers attacked unarmed worshippers, while the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry claims Hamas, the Palestinian militant group which runs Gaza, incited the violence.

Some Palestinian families in the Israel-occupied East Jerusalem have also been threatened with eviction which has caused tensions to rise and protests to escalate.

Israel has also been accused of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in a bid to pave the way for Jewish settlers, but this something which Israeli authorities have strongly refuted.

A ceasefire has now been agreed although the situation is far from resolved.

The two countries have been in disagreement for decades about a variety of issues, mainly because factions of both lay claim to the same territory.

Sophie Kabangu, who is part of the Black Lives Matter Colchester movement, helped to organise the event in the town centre on Saturday.

The University of Essex student was thrilled with the volume of supporters the protest attracted and now hopes it will make more people aware of the situation.

She said: “It went really well, we had a good turnout, people were respectful of the situation and we were told heart-breaking stories of what life is like in Palestine.

“It was amazing, people of all ages and ethnicity came, which showed this is not only a Muslim problem or a Palestine problem, but also a human rights concern that we should all care about.”

Photographer Brandon Beedon, 22, also attended the demonstration.

He believes the event has helped to raise awareness of the issues facing Palestinians among residents living in Colchester and the surrounding areas.

“It was really great seeing so many people come together over a cause that means so much to so many people,” he added.

“Hopefully, it will result in more public recognition over what is actually happening out there.”

The Colchester Activist Calendar, which is an online group for community organisers and activists to share important events, has also supported the campaign.

A spokesman for the group said: “Of course, more than 180,000 marching in London for Palestine is great, however, the 250 protesters in Colchester was also inspiring.

“Freedom for Palestine.”

Prior to the weekend demonstration the University of Essex Students’ Union condemned the violence in the Middle East.

A spokesman said: “We are horrified and disgusted by the continued violence against innocent people in Palestine.

“Systemic oppression is something we must never be silent about. As part of the SU family, we have members who are directly affected by this.

"This is not about religious conflict. This is about basic human rights.”