Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District expressed their despair on Saturday (March 16) over the upcoming invasion of Rafah, the final refuge for Palestinian civilians.

The group held a weekly vigil on the 162nd day of the Israel/Hamas conflict, a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the invasion plans.

The fate of the people in Rafah has been a major area of concern of Israel’s allies – including the United States' President Joe Biden – and humanitarian groups, worried an offensive in the region densely crowded with so many displaced people would be a catastrophe.

Rafah is now home to nearly 1.3 million people following displacement. 

A group spokesperson said: "Our calls for a ceasefire have never felt as necessary as they do now.

"With over 13100 children already killed and many 100s more injured, the impact of a Rafah invasion is almost incomprehensible," they said. 

To alleviate the impacts of the UK's arms trade on Palestine, the group has teamed up with other peace activists from across Cumbria and Lancashire.

The joint effort came with calls hoping to end contracts at Croppers in Burneside for producing material for F35 jet planes.

About twenty activists distributed leaflets in Burneside village, as well as at the factory.

"We hope that the workers understand that we are not attacking their jobs, but asking them to consider the implications of their work and join us in demanding the management to look for new markets, that align with their ethical standards.

"Majority of the public oppose what is happening in Gaza; we want to support workers at a time of recession to make a positive difference," a spokesperson said. 

As the group continues its efforts to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a film screening of Advocate, a documentary about an Israeli lawyer representing Palestinians in the Israeli courts, raised £85 on a recent Friday night.

The group's next fundraising event for the MAP is scheduled for April 5 at the Brickyard.

All proceeds from the £10 entry fee will be donated to the British charity to aid relief efforts.