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Israel-Gaza attacks: Hundreds attend Manchester city centre vigil

BBC People at vigil for victims of the Hamas attackBBC
The event was attended by a large crowd

Hundreds of people have attended a vigil in Manchester city centre after the Hamas attacks in Israel.

Militants entered communities near the Gaza Strip on Saturday, killing hundreds of people at a music festival and taking dozens of hostages.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Council Leader Bev Craig were among those speaking at the event.

Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell said: "We stand together against terror as one community."

Mr Burnham added: "When any community or country is a target for terrorism this city will always stand with them."

Rabbi Daniel Walker said the Jewish community was feeling "vulnerable" and "in pain" for the suffering of people in Israel.

He said the vigil "expressed simple sorrow and solidarity" after the "terrible atrocities which went beyond the pale".

Crowds at a vigil with sign reading No to the kidnapping of Jews
Placards and flags were held aloft as various political and faith leader gave speeches

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford said the vigil showed a "clear message of solidarity".

Raphi Bloom, of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, said it was a chance to "come together" and show solidarity.

Seventeen British nationals, including children, are believed to be dead or missing after the attacks, an official UK source has told the BBC.

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