We are closed today in solidarity with the international cries for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

In times like these, there can be pressure to pick a side and ignore the pain and suffering being felt by whoever is the “other”. We reject this binary thinking, and instead stand on the side of our shared humanity.

We believe a lasting ceasefire is the only way to begin dialogue in the hope of a lasting peace, which is in the interests of both Palestinians and Israelis.

We are dismayed and enraged at the UK's abstention from the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire, as well as the Conservative government and Labour Party leadership's failure to call for a ceasefire within parliament, and their continued support for Netanyahu's far-right government to act with impunity.