Palestine solidarity group hold vigil in Darlington town centre

Demonstrators from the Darlington Palestine Solidarity Campaign stood in solidarity at High Row in Darlington town centre this afternoon.

Placards reading “Stop the genocide”, “free Palestine” and “exist, resist, return” were held whilst Palestinian flags were waved in front of the clock tower.

A Palestine vigil was held in Darlington town centre today.(Image: Newsquest)

The diverse group have been sharing information on the conflict to spread awareness and collect signatures for a ceasefire.

Passers-by approached the group for photos, with the occasional shout of “free Palestine”.

Martin Wood,62, from Darlington, a member of the Darlington Palestine Solidarity Campaign shared his experience.

He said: “I've got personal friends who have got family there. They can't even talk about their families there. They can't even ring them anymore, because what can they do?

“We’re collecting names of people who want a ceasefire now and want the occupation of Palestine to end.”

Passersby approached the group for photos, with the occasional shout of “free Palestine.”(Image: Newsquest)

Shad Chowdhury, 32, from Stockton, added: We're also trying to get people to be active about this. You don't have to look at this passively.

“We talk about the horrific and traumatic scenes people see on their screens.

“We’re trying to build a community to keep each other informed and it’s good to know there’s people who have a conscience and are moved to do something about it.”

Speaking about their experience, the 62-year-old said the response has been “mostly positive”.

He added: “People want to see the conflict end, but there have been some occasions of people who see support for Palestine as supporting immigration.

“It's born out of ignorance because people are unable to escape from Gaza.”

Flags and signs reading “Stop the genocide”, “free Palestine” and “exist, resist, return” were held.(Image: Newsquest)

Ahead of a demonstration happening next month (October 25) at the Joseph Pease statue, Shad emphasised that anyone can join and be part of this group.

He said: “You don't have to be Palestinian to want the genocide to stop or to want your government to be involved.”

“We haven't forgotten. We're pleased with the first step of recognising the Palestinian state, but we believe that our government needs to do a lot.