Hundreds of protestors will march through Nottingham city centre for the second time this weekend to show solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Activists will gather at midday tomorrow (Saturday, May 22) on the Forest Recreation Ground then make their way down Mansfield Road towards Old Market Square.
The protest has been called by the Nottingham Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which organised a similar event last Saturday (May 15).
Last week’s event attracted a huge crowd – many with flags, banners and placards supporting the Palestinian cause – to Market Square.
Student Natalia Smith, who joined the protest, said: “I truly believe protests like these can change things if they continue.
“Since they started so many more people are aware of the issues within Palestine and are willing to help make a change.
“It is early days, but it still feels like a step in the right direction.”
Thousands of Palestinians in the city of Gaza, have been forced to flee their homes in fear of danger after a week of Israeli air strikes.
At least 200 Palestinians have been killed, including 59 children and 35 women. More than 1,300 people have been wounded.
Israel says it has been responding to rocket attacks from the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The attacks have killed 12 people in Israel.
Last night the EU called for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza resulting in many Palestinians taking to the streets to celebrate.
But Nottingham University student Farouk Akram – a member of The Palestinian Society – says his family, back in Gaza, are still living in constant fear.
“Life for my family is tough – lives and homes are being torn away,” he said.
“I worry about their safety every day. They are in real danger.
“Contact has been limited but I have been telling them about the protests here in Nottingham.
“It made them so emotional to hear how many people across the world have their backs.
“It makes them feel a little less alone in this battle for freedom.”
The East Midlands branch of international trade union the IWW, which has been promoting tomorrow’s protest through its social media, added: “It is great to see so many people in Nottingham taking to the streets and shining light on such an important matter.
“We believe that it is our duty to do what we can to ensure no human being faces oppression.”
Smaller pro-Palestine protests, including one outside BBC Radio Nottingham last Monday (May 15), have continued this week.
Tomorrow’s protest will end with a rally in Market Square, where speakers from Palestinian support groups will address the crowds.
