OVER 100 people marched in Carlisle city centre over the weekend as they called for an 'immediate ceasefire' as conflict continues to engulf Gaza. 

Similar to events up and down the country, the display of support coincided with Armistice Day.

Organised by Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group, the meet was as much about a petition, which called upon local MPs to leverage diplomatic action. 

The petition received175 signatures. 

News and Star: Over 100 people show support for the people of Palestine in CarlisleOver 100 people show support for the people of Palestine in Carlisle (Image: Brian Mein)

Organiser Fiona Goldie said: "Our petition calls for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages unharmed, and an end to the siege on Gaza.

"We are asking MPs to use their position to influence the government's diplomatic actions.

"There is a huge demand for an outlet for people to express their outrage at the horror on TV screens nightly and the public is greeting us very warmly on the whole.

"Many telling us they have marched in London over the past weeks also," she said. 

An outpouring of monetary support also followed, with £378 being raised for medical aid for Palestinians. 

Further fundraising efforts are set to be announced soon. 

Representatives from the group have also carried the public's voice to the doors of two MPs, Penrith's Neil Hudson and John Stevenson of Carlisle.

News and Star: Men, women and children voice their support for people of PalestineMen, women and children voice their support for people of Palestine (Image: Fiona Goldie)

"We asked the MPs how a ceasefire is humanitarian, while aid, food, fuel, and supplies are much needed in Gaza, there is not enough food and water to go around.

"Our group does not see it as helpful to send in aid and then bomb it a few days later. Unfortunately, we did not receive a satisfactory response to this question, with our MPs insisting that a ceasefire would only allow Hamas to regroup," she said. 

Fiona said the MPs 'stuck to the party line' reiterating support for a two-state solution but indicated concern at current events and methods being used to fight the war. 

"We are watching a genocide develop before our eyes and are powerless to stop it.

"Our group is pleading with our political representatives to do everything possible to bring this to an end and bring peace," she said.