Gaza vigil in Gourock renews call for ceasefire today

The concerned members include politician Ronnie Cowan - who is seeking re-election as an MP at the forthcoming general election - and independent councillor Tommy McVey, meet every week.

Inverclyde's 'Group for Gaza' is demanding an immediate ceasefire and has raised alarm at the most recent bombing of a refugee camp in Rafah which killed women and children.

They are determined to keep the deepening crisis at the forefront of people's mind as the attacks - which began in October with the massacre of Israelis by Hamas terrorists - continue.

At a recent rally, SNP man Mr Cowan, who has served as an MP for the last nine years, said: "I am proud that so many people take part and that passers-by stop and put money in the bucket. 

"It is a wonderful testament to the people of Inverclyde and their ability to care about others who are less fortunate than themselves."

He said that there were some dissenting voices who direct abuse at the group and accuse them of supporting Hamas.

But Mr Cowan said: "We are categorically not. We are supporting the innocent men, women and children who are being murdered and maimed. 

"It’s no more complicated than that. We are calling for an end to the massacre of innocents. 

"The attack on Israel by Hamas last October was grotesque and can’t ever be justified.  If we are seeking a peaceful solution then the bombardment of Gaza is not the way forward. 

"I fear the current action won’t eradicate Hamas, it will be a recruiting sergeant for it. 

"When I was educated about the horrors of the holocaust it was too late to do anything about it, we couldn’t roll back time and stop it.

"The rise of fascism had already happened the atrocities had been committed. 

"I was taught that acknowledging the holocaust was about bearing witness to history to ensure that it would never happen again. 

"And yet here we are."

At the vigial local leaders including Councillor Elizabeth Robertson, Councillor Colin Jackson and Councillor Sandra Reynolds were joined by other group members to condemn the killings.

Councillor McVey said: "It is heartening to see people of all faiths and from across most of the political spectrum turn up to the weekly vigil for Gaza here in Inverclyde.

"We just want peace.

"Sadly, the indiscriminate killing of civilians continues unabated in Gaza, whilst the UK and other western countries assist by continuing to supply arms to Israel. 

Councillor McVey added: "An immediate permanent ceasefire is required to save lives, to get hostages freed and to allow unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

"The recent bombing of a refugee camp in Rafah, which resulted in the death of 45 people including 23 women and children was just appalling.

"This has to stop and Israel must comply with orders of the International Court of Justice and the UN."

The vigil meets in the Common Space, Kempock Street, Gourock at 2pm today.