Around 150 people descended on a town to protest against the ongoing plight of Palestinian people in Gaza.

The rally in Jubilee Square in Maidstone on Sunday was organised by the Medway branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Matt Broadley was one of the organisers. He said: “It was a multi-faith event. The speakers included the Imam from a local mosque and a Jewish lady, Jessica Leschnikoff, who is equally horrified at the plight of the people of Gaza.”

The rally was organised to repeat calls for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian relief.

Demonstrations are set to continue this weekend with another to be held in Gillingham tomorrow.

Mr Broadley read out the names of 10 children that had been killed in the conflict since October 7.

He added: “To read out the names of all those who have been killed would have taken two days.

“As a community, we have become desensitised due to the sheer number of deaths.

“We wanted to remind people that those statistics represent a person, with a name, with aspirations, with hopes and dreams.”

More than 14,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in air and artillery strikes carried out by the Israeli military in response, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

Speakers at the event in Kent called for the release of hostages on both sides – including the Palestinians held in “administrative detention” by Israel on the West Bank.

The protest was joined by local trade unionists and by members of Maidstone’s Green party. It was one of a series being held across the county.

Mr Broadley said: “Quiet a few passers-by stopped to join us, and some shop staff came out to hear what was going on.

“I’d say our message was very warmly received.

“There were some police officers present, but there was no mischief whatsoever.”

After the static rally, which lasted around an hour and 15 minutes, a few protesters walked to the constituency office of Helen Grant MP in nearby Week Street.

They posted a letter calling for her to join the call for an immediate ceasefire already articulated by her fellow Conservative MP for Gillingham and Rainham, Rehman Chishti.

On Tuesday the United Nations overwhelmingly passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

It was supported by 149 countries, with nine abstaining and 22 voting against. The UK abstained and the USA voted against.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign is looking to establish a branch in Maidstone. If you are interested in joining, email Mr Broadley on medwayPSC@gmail.com.

The group will also be holding a march through Gillingham tomorrow.

They are meeting at Gillingham Railway Station at 11m and marching to the War Memorial by the Black Lion complex and say all are welcome.