Israel-Gaza attacks: Vigil for victims held at Downing Street

BBC News:

Crowds have gathered for a vigil outside Downing Street in support of victims of the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Some held up pictures of those taken hostage or killed, some lit candles and some stood in tears.

Rishi Sunak joined prayers at a north London synagogue, where he told the British Jewish community he would “stop at nothing to keep you safe”.

Meanwhile, three arrests were made as a pro-Palestinian demonstration took place near the Israeli embassy.

About 900 people have died in Israel since Saturday’s surprise attack, while retaliatory strikes on Gaza have killed almost 690.

Civilians have been taken hostage and the armed wing of Hamas has threatened to kill them if Palestinian civilians are not warned about impending air strikes.

More than 10 Britons are feared dead or missing following the attacks including Nathanel Young and Bernard Cowan.

Most of those taking part in the Downing Street vigil will have relatives or friends affected by the Hamas attacks, with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis saying there was hardly a Jewish family in the UK not affected.

Rabbi Ephraim told the vigil British Jews were “at one” with the people of Israel and that they stood “shoulder to shoulder with you at this time”.

He said he prayed that “the darkness we are enduring will lead to light. That the chaos, confusion and bitterness, the mourning and the grief, will be replaced by peace.”