PRO-Palestine campaigners took to the steps of Dudley Council House ahead of a full meeting of the authority.

People at the event, described as a vigil, organised by the Dudley Palestine Solidarity Group, demanded the council joined calls for a permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

Campaigners said the vigil, on Monday December 4, was designed to keep the issue of the war between the Israeli Defence Force and Hamas in peoples’ minds after the end of a temporary ceasefire.

The Gaza conflict began after Hamas fighters attacked Israeli settlements on October 7.

Israel hit back with a massive bombardment and ground campaign in Gaza which has led to the deaths of thousands of people.

The vigil was not the first at the council house by the group.

Following a previous demonstration in October, Council leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, said: “This council stands 100 per cent behind Israel’s right to defend its borders. 

“There will be innocent men, women and children who will be killed on both sides because it’s a war. Each of our communities, large and small, deserve to live their lives unhindered and without intimidation.”