Hexham locals lent their support to a mass rally in Newcastle, voicing their concerns over the crisis in Gaza.

On October 28, several thousand convened at the city centre, marching from the Newcastle Civic Centre along Northumberland Street to Gray’s Monument.

The collective outcry centred on calling for a ceasefire and an end to Israel’s siege of Gaza.

Speakers on the day included North Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll, alongside moving testimonies from speakers who have family and friends who are currently in Gaza.

Described by organisers as the largest rally of its sort in Newcastle, the wave of protest saw a heartfelt outpouring of humanitarian concern from both Hexham and beyond.

Hexham resident Stuart Page said: “We were of course appalled by the Hamas attacks in Israel a few weeks ago, but the Israeli military response is creating a humanitarian catastrophe for the two million Gaza residents.

"Already the death toll has exceeded 6,000 and is likely to rise significantly.

"Our government and opposition parties must call for a ceasefire and an end to the blockade, to allow essential services and goods to be restored to the people of Gaza.

"The rally on Saturday was a powerful expression of concern, and there were many other similarly well attended rallies up and down the country."