THE 60th silent vigil took place outside Salisbury last month to call for an end to violence in the Middle East.

Around 50 people attended the vigil on January 25 to show an expression of hope for an end to the violence and a peaceful future in the Middle East.

Flowers and candles alongside heartfelt messages were on display.

A spokesperson said “We call on the UK government to take immediate action to ensure accountability and justice for Palestinians.

“All arms transfers to Israel must be suspended. The government must respect the work and independence of the International Criminal Court, including committing to enforce the arrest warrants already issued.

“The current deal alone will not end Palestinian suffering in Gaza, and therefore must be just the beginning of a process that will rapidly bring a comprehensive ceasefire, with a lifting of the 17-year-long blockade of Gaza, and an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land, in line with the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.

“Unrestricted humanitarian access must be facilitated to avert the risk of famine. A comprehensive rebuilding effort must follow, led by Palestinians and with Palestinian self-determination at its core.

“The UK must also ensure that the main established UN aid agency (UNRWA) leads Gaza’s aid efforts and must demand the Israeli authorities rescind recent laws and attacks against it.

“This is a moment of truth for the UK. To continue shielding Israel from accountability is to abandon the principles of justice and human rights that the UK claims to uphold.

“The UK must not be an ally to Israel’s atrocities and must act decisively to end its complicity and demonstrate genuine leadership in the pursuit of peace and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.

“This can only be achieved by ending violence, upholding international law, and specifying concrete guarantees.”

These vigils are supported by local groups of Amnesty International, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Christian Aid, Quakers, Sarum Concern for Israel Palestine and many others concerned for world peace.