Jewish community holds vigil for victims of Hamas attacks in London
Description
Hundreds supporters of Jewish community gathered at Parliament Square in London to participate in a vigil for Israeli victims of Hamas attacks on Sunday. Footage shows people wrapped in Israeli flags and holding pictures of individuals who were taken from their residences and signs reading 'Bring them back'. Attendees also lit candles and listened to speeches. "Every single person I know in Israel knows someone who has either been kidnapped, murdered or injured. My childhood friends who have had their children murdered, their friends who have had their loved ones taken hostage. It is a disaster, we have never been so heartbroken," said one of vigil participants. According to the latest reports, seventeen British nationals including children were declared dead or missing in Israel after attacks by Hamas. Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, October 7, firing thousands of rockets as its militants on the ground broke through into Israeli territory, in what the group described as 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.' Israel responded with airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and issued a formal declaration of war on Hamas, warning residents to leave their homes. The military claimed that Hamas locations would be targeted. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also announced a 'complete siege' of Gaza, cutting off power, food and water. Hamas said its latest military operation was due to the long-running Israeli blockade, raids on West Bank cities and other attacks. At the time of publication, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 2,670 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, while Israeli authorities reported that at least 1,400 of its citizens were dead following the latest fighting.