SOUTH African flags were waived in Carlisle's city centre as around 70 people continued their weekly call for a ceasefire in Gaza, marking the 99th day of the conflict.

On January 13, Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group showed support following South Africa's appeal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

South Africa, along with other nations including Malaysia, Bangladesh, Jordan, and Brazil, has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza due to the large number of civilian deaths and destruction of basic infrastructure.

The international call comes at a time when Al Jazeera estimates the death toll to be at least 23,968 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, since the war began on October 7 (January 14). 

The group also took the opportunity to raise awareness about their upcoming event, the screening of the documentary, Gaza Fights for Freedom.

The film throws light on the Great March of Return, a peaceful protest that was met with strong resistance and lethal violence in which 200 civilians were killed. 

The film aims to portray a vivid picture of Gaza's past and present through live demonstrations and archival footage, tracing the history of the strip and the context to the present conflict.

The screening is scheduled to take place at the Church of Scotland, on Carlisle's Chapel Street, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on February 16.

Following the film, a discussion will ensue and funds will be raised towards Medical Aid for Palestinians, a British charity providing incessant healthcare support in Gaza, occupied Palestinian territories, and refugee camps. 

Another fundraising gig for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a continuation of their prior efforts, which raised over £1000, will take place at the Brickyard on April 5.

Through efforts so far, over £2,000 has been raised for MAP.