You report on two rallies this past weekend, both focusing on the Middle East, the Brighton for Peace march and the Rally for Israel.

I would like to add a third perspective from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC).

Brighton for Peace described its march as non-political, and highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe suffered by the people of Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East.

The PSC views the crisis in Gaza primarily as a political crisis albeit with humanitarian fallout. We must work towards a political solution for Gaza and all the people of Palestine.

We take our lead from Palestinian civil society, which has called on the international community to organise boycotts and sanctions until Israel complies with international law.

Our rallies in Brighton over the past few weeks have been supported by hundreds of people from many backgrounds.

The Rally for Israel was a demonstration of support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza described by the United Nations as war crimes under international law.

Keith Taylor, one of our members of the European Parliament, issued a statement, expressing his ‘disappointment’ that this rally was taking place in his constituency.

It is vital that we have a clear understanding of what we need to do help solve the crisis.

That is why support for our campaign has grown massively over the past few weeks.

Barry Stierer Secretary,

Brighton & Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign