EVERY week since the Hamas atrocities in Isreal in October 2023 and the subsequent retaliation against the people of Palestine there have been weekly vigils organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Group Carlisle and District.

But this week they were joined by the Red Rebels, who are normally associated with Extinction Rebellion, to draw a red line for Gaza following the recent alleged peace deal by President Trump. Needless to say I now have 548 shots to edit but this is a quick edit.

Anyway this is what I am intending to submit to the News & Star on Monday:

THERE was an eye-catching performance in Carlisle city centre on Saturday (October 25) when the Red Rebels campaign group supported the weekly vigil for the people of Palestine following the recent peace deal negotiated by Donald Trump.

The parade of people dressed all in red, which represented the blood that has been spilled, proceeded along English Street before standing near the James Steel Monument.

They wanted to draw a Red Line for Gaza and Sal Cawley, from Extinction Rebellion North Lakes, said: “We’re here in Carlisle today to mark the cease fire, to draw a red line under it, and also importantly to mourn the massive loss of life in Gaza and a warning that sadly for Palestinians, this isn’t over yet.”

She said the event went well and added: “I think it was absolutely brilliant. We had some very supportive comments from members of the public and I am absolutely delighted. I think it was very moving and I’m hoping we’ve made a real impact made people think.”

However, there were some negative reactions from members of the public and Ms Cawley said: “Yeah, sadly, some people seem to be very threatened by the Palestinian movement to support Palestinians.

“And actually, we can understand, there’s a lot of problems in this country and a lot of the negativity comes from people thinking that it’s not been enough done for the poor people in this country.

“But what we firmly believe is that the climate crisis and what’s happening in Gaza, some of us have to stand up for it, because those people can’t stand up for themselves.”

Fiona Goldie, from the Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle and District and organiser of the weekly vigils, said: “We were holding an event today to mark the end of the cease fire with a red line for Gaza and we were joined by XR. So the Red Rebels came to draw a line with physical line.

“They walked from through the town centre dressed in flowing robes to mark the blood lost of all people that were killed through the war and the lives lost across the board. I think it was absolutely fabulous and really powerful and moving.”

The Red Rebels are a performance activist group associated with Extinction Rebellion, known for their striking red costumes and silent, meditative movements that draw attention to the climate crisis. They aim to create powerful imagery and emotional responses during protests to support environmental causes.