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The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Child victims of Gaza onslaught remembered in Westminster vigil
The names of thousands of innocent children, killed in Gaza, have been read out by dozens of artists and supporters in a vigil outside the Palace of Westminster. Actors including Steve Coogan and Juliet Stevenson stood in the shadow of the Elizabeth Tower to help read out the names of more than 16,000 children as part of the Choose Love-organised campaign to 'honour' those killed in the last 19 months. Later, they described what is happening as a genocide and said that people should stand up and protest if they do not agree with what the UK Government is doing to try and stop it. Coogan said he was took part to 'highlight the plight of starving children in Gaza who are having their aid blocked'. He said: 'I am here to bring attention to that, and not only that, but the lives of all the children who have been lost in this conflict, in this bombing which has been largely indiscriminate bombing. 'It is to shine light on the fact that these were real people, real children and they should be remembered. 'We are reading out the names to remember them as human beings and not just a statistic. 'I don't know these children of course, but when you read the name, you realise they were someone who had a life, albeit a short one and had nothing to do with the conflict. 'They were the innocent victims of the conflict, and that the vast majority of the families had nothing to do with this conflict, even where their families did, it doesn't justify that kind of response.' He described what is happening as 'not only immoral, it's illegal under international law, and lots of mainstream news outlets would rather this went away and would rather ignore it'. Up to 16,000 names, of children under 18 who are confirmed dead were read and up to 20,000 children are also reported as missing, the organisers said. The readers stood in front of a banner which read: 'Gaza: Actions Not Words'. It was made up of the names of 1,700 babies, who are one year old or younger, who who have been confirmed as dead. Each speaker, including actors Toby Jones, Emily Watson, Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Andrea Riseborough plus presenters Dawn O'Porter and Nadia Sawalha, read out approximately 300 names. Coogan also said it is 'appalling' the press have not been allowed into the war zone for 18 months to report on what is happening, saying 'if they had nothing to hide, they would let the press in. On Thursday Stevenson said: 'It is every child who name we know but, of course, there are so many children whose names we don't know who are buried under the rubble. 'Every child whose name is known is being read because they are not numbers. 'Each child that has been killed, had a name, a family, had passions, had loves and fears as do all our children. 'There is no difference and they now have had their lives taken away. 'It is a genocide and I have just been horrified by what has been going on.' The organisers are calling for a halt to arms sales and export licences to Israel, full humanitarian access to Gaza and a commitment to an immediate and lasting ceasefire 'to end the starvation and slaughter of children'. Khalid Abdalla, who played Dodi Fayed in The Crown, described the vigil as 'a very moving tribute to the number of children who have been killed, there's an ongoing genocide'. He added: 'It's heartbreaking that each of these children only gets to have their names for them as you read the names you have just about touched on the world of who they might have been. 'I was reading for half an hour almost, and all the children's names that I read out were five years old. 'I was hoping I would get to a change in number. 'There was no change in number. 'The point is thousands upon thousands of children have died and we don't even know the final number because it is ongoing.' The vigil comes after more than 300 actors, musicians, activists and others used an open letter to call on the Prime Minister to 'take immediate action to end the UK's complicity in the horrors of Gaza'. As well as suspending UK arms sales to Israel, the group urged Sir Keir to 'use all available means' to ensure humanitarian aid gets into the territory and 'make a commitment to the children of Gaza' that he would broker an 'immediate and permanent ceasefire'. Signatories included Gary Lineker, who left his role presenting Match Of The Day earlier this month following a controversy over one of his social media posts about the conflict in Gaza, actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Brian Cox, along with Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlin, singers Paloma Faith and Annie Lennox, plus Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos. A Government spokesman previously said: 'We strongly oppose the expansion of military operations in Gaza and call on the Israeli Government to cease its offensive and immediately allow for unfettered access to humanitarian aid. 'The denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. 'Last year, we suspended export licences to Israel for items used in military operations in Gaza and continue to refuse licences for military goods that could be used by Israel in the current conflict. 'We urge all parties to urgently agree a ceasefire agreement and work towards a permanent and sustainable peace.'
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Nicola Coughlan joins Irish celebrities and other stars who sign open letter on Gaza
'intolerable' | The Derry Girls and Bridgerton actress signed the letter issued by the UK group Choose Love urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "end Gaza complicity' Nicola Coughlan The Derry Girls and Bridgerton actress signed the letter issued by the UK group Choose Love urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "end Gaza complicity." She has joined other well-known Irish figures including Alison Oliver, Aisling Bea, Annie Mac, Caitríona Balfe, Charlie Murphy, Chris O'Dowd and Denise Gough in signing the letter. Others, such as Ruth Negga, Seamus McGarvey, Siobhán McSweeney, and Tadhg Hickey are among the more than 300 signatories. International stars such as Annie Lennox, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brian Cox, Dua Lipa, Gary Lineker, John Lithgow, Mark Ruffalo, Maxine Peake, Rosie O'Donnell, Steve Coogan, and Tilda Swinton are all backing the initiative. Nicola Coughlan News in 90 Seconds - May 30th 'Words won't save the lives of Palestinian children as they are being killed, words won't fill their empty stomachs,' Josie Naughton, co-founder and CEO of Choose Love, said. 'We need action from Keir Starmer now. That means stopping all arms sales and licenses, making sure that legitimate humanitarian organisations can reach people in Gaza. It means doing everything possible to make these horrors end. 'Action is a choice, just as inaction is one. History will remember what we did in this moment. We are begging the Prime Minister to make the right choice.' The open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, published by Choose Love on May 29, reads, in part: 'Dear Prime Minister Keir Starmer. We urge you to take immediate action to end the UK's complicity in the horrors in Gaza. 'Right now, children in Gaza are starving while food and medicine sit just minutes away, blocked at the border. Words won't feed Palestinian children – we need action. 'Every single one of Gaza's 2.1 million people is at risk of starvation, as you read this. Mothers, fathers, babies, grandparents – an entire people left to starve before the world's eyes. 'Over 15,000 children have already been killed – including at least 4,000 under the age of four. Bedrooms where children once slept, kitchens where families shared meals, schools where they learned – all reduced to rubble while Britain stands by. Read more 'You can't call it 'intolerable' and keep sending arms. 'Every moment this continues, is another moment children die on our watch. This complicity is not inevitable – it is a choice. 'The children of Gaza cannot wait another minute. Prime Minister, what will you choose? Complicity in war crimes, or the courage to act?' Nicola has previously spoken out about the conflict, and reflected on the fact her dad was 'in the Irish army, which is a peacekeeping force'. Explaining the reason behind wearing a red badge that relates to a call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, she told USA Today: 'It's very important for me because I feel like I'm a very privileged person. 'I'm doing my dream job and getting to travel the world, but then I'm hyper-aware of what's happening in Rafah at the moment.' She added: 'My dad was in the Irish army, which is a peacekeeping force. He was a member of the UN, so my family actually lived in Jerusalem in the late 70s. 'He was part of UNTSO, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, so it was about brokering peace in the Middle East. 'I feel very passionately about it. I'm Irish also, so it's sort of a different perspective. And I just feel, if I have this global platform, which I do at the minute, I think if I can hopefully raise funds for aid organisations - I have a fundraiser on my Instagram right now for medical aid for Palestine.'
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Steve Coogan reads the names of over 15,000 children killed in Gaza at vigil
Steve Coogan made a statement at a vigil at the Houses of Parliament as he read the names of 15,000 children who have died in Gaza. The actor and comedian, 59, was among the many people at the vigil organised by Choose Love on Thursday morning. The Alan Partridge actor, was one of the many artists who, for several minutes, read a long list of names of children who had been killed during the Israel-Hamas war. 'They were the names of children who have been killed in the bombing of Gaza in the last 20 months. 'It was just showing that those names are not just statistics, they are real people, real children who had lives who died and it's to some extent to humanise them. 'There's a world war phrase that one death is a tragedy and 10 thousand is a statistic,' he said, speaking to Sky News he said that he was at the event. In the same interview, he added: 'I'm here to protest about the, basically, enforced starvation of thousands of women and children in Gaza by the weaponisation of the blockade on aid to those people. 'And also it's to give this the coverage that a lot of mainstream news outlets aren't giving.' He said human rights should apply to everyone, and criticised tough rhetoric from governments in the UK, France and Canada as He added that human rights should be applied to every human and rhetoric from UK, French, and Canadian governments was 'too little, too late'. 'Tragically, it's taken the mass, indiscriminate killing of innocent people to get to this stage,' he said. 'I think more and more people are realising that it has to stop.' Juliet Stevenson, best known for acting in Bend It Like Beckham and Truly, Madly, Deeply, was also among the actors reading the exhaustive list of names. This vigil comes as the celebrities supporting Palestine grow, with stars including Dua Lipa, Gary Lineker and Benedict Cumberbatch calling on the Government to suspend arms sales to Israel in an open letter. More Trending The open letter read: 'We urge you to take immediate action to end the UK's complicity in the horrors in Gaza.' It highlights: 'Right now, children in Gaza are starving while food and medicine sit just minutes away, blocked at the border. Words won't feed Palestinian children – we need action. Every single one of Gaza's 2.1 million people is at risk of starvation, as you read this.' 'Mothers, fathers, babies, grandparents – an entire people left to starve before the world's eyes. 290,000 children are on the brink of death – starved by the Israeli government for more than 70 days.' This was about Israel's 11-week blockade of food and other supplies into Gaza, which was lifted last week to allow a 'basic amount of food into Gaza'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Gazan doctor receives the charred remains of nine of her 10 children after Israeli bombing MORE: A mum in Gaza told me her children are waiting to die MORE: Everything we know so far about Washington DC shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Steve Coogan reads out names of children killed in Gaza at Westminster vigil
Actors and activists, including Steve Coogan and Juliet Stevenson, gathered in London to read aloud the names of thousands of children killed in Gaza. The vigil, organised by Choose Love, took place in the shadow of the Elizabeth Tower outside the Palace of Westminster. Participants sought to honour the more than 16,000 children who have died in the last 19 months. Standing in front of a banner which read 'Gaza: Actions Not Words', Coogan said he participated to "highlight the plight of starving children in Gaza who are having their aid blocked". Attendees described the events as a genocide, urging the public to protest against the UK Government 's approach to the conflict.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Patsy Palmer cuts a stylish figure as she joins chic Mia Regan for Choose Love launch event in support of LGBTQIA+ refugees
and Mia Regan were among the stars in attendance for the launch of the new 'Queer Was Always Here' T-shirts with Choose Love in support of LGBTQIA+ refugees in London on Thursday. EastEnders actress Patsy, 53, opted for a laid-back chunky colourful scarf which she paired with a beige buttoned up cardigan. Opting for comfort, Patsy paired her garment with some tailored black trousers and brown, beige and blue trainers. She accessorised her ensemble with a pair of aviator spectacles and a set of elegant gold earrings. Meanwhile Mia opted for a more summery casual look as she stepped out in a pair of beige knee-length shorts. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Keeping it relaxed, Mia paired her shorts with a white T-shirt and elegant brown Mary Jane flat shoes. She finished her ensemble with a brown leather jacket and a cream tasseled bag which wore across her chest. Adding a pop of colour to the event Jaime Winstone stepped out in a red, yellow and black checked shirt. She paired her country top with blue, red and white tweed skirt, brown knee-high boots and a grey cap. Nathaniel Curits showcased his toned legs as he wore a pair of long denim shorts for the glitzy event. He finished his look with white socks, white laced up trainers and a white Choose Love T-shirt. Jaylin Ye put on a leggy display for the outing as she wore a long denim blue skirt which featured a daringly high slit up her leg. She finished her look with a pair of long chunky leather boots and an elegant brown top which draped across her shoulders. Also adding a pop of colour to the evening, Minmie Sangsawang stepped out in a bright purple top. She paired the brightly-coloured garment with a knee-length beige skirt and some black leather flat shoes. Eric Chang looked handsome as he wore a white and black zipped jacket which he paired with black tailored trousers. He toted around his belongings in an extra large dark brown bag which he unconventionally carried around held under his arm.
