THOUSANDS attended a peaceful demonstration in support of Gaza yesterday (Saturday) in Bradford's Centenary Square.

The demonstration and collective prayer, organised by the Council of Mosques (Bradford and District) started at 5pm on Saturday and attracted thousands of people.

One of those in attendance said said: "There were thousands of people from all over the city from all faiths who took part in a peaceful prayer and demonstration."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A peaceful demonstration in support of Gaza was held in Bradford's Centenary Square on Saturday.A peaceful demonstration in support of Gaza was held in Bradford's Centenary Square on Saturday. (Image: UGC)

A flyer promoting the demonstration read: "This is a call to all Muslims, people of faith and of no faith in Bradford and West Yorkshire to come peacefully in solidarity with the people of Gaza."

It came as Israel expanded attacks and sent ground forces into Gaza.

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country’s military had opened a “second stage” in the war against Hamas by sending ground forces into Gaza and expanding attacks from the ground, air, and sea.

He said these will only increase ahead of a broad ground invasion into the territory.

Mr Netanyahu said: “It will be long and difficult. We are ready.”

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza on Saturday rose to more than 7,700 people since the war began, with 377 deaths reported since late on Friday, according to the Gaza health ministry.

By Sunday morning, phone and internet communications had been restored to many people in Gaza, according to telecommunications providers in the area, internet-access advocacy group NetBlocks.org and confirmation on the ground.

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, and Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East, are among those who have called for a ceasefire.