Religious, atheist and agnostic groups are to stage a gathering where they will call for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza.

The groups have invited the community to join with them at City Hall on Monday from 4pm to 5.30pm.

A spokeswoman for the event said: “A collective of concerned Bermudian residents from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, atheist, agnostic and other religious and non-religious backgrounds have come together.

“The collective is calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and the safe release of Israeli hostages and Palestinians taken and held without charge or trial.

“To show support for the protection of innocent lives, an event is being hosted called, Gather for Gaza, in front of City Hall in Hamilton, on November 13.

“The event will feature speeches, music, poetry and an information booth with the aim of cultivating a better understanding of the ongoing genocide and its history.”

The spokeswoman added that at the end of the event, there will be a candlelit vigil and a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have lost their lives. There will be a limited number of candles available but guests may bring their own.

The island’s Muslim community recently hosted a peace walk and Social Justice Bermuda issued a statement in support of the people of Palestine.

Quoting figures reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry, Palestine Red Crescent Society and Israeli Medical Services, the spokeswoman added: “Since October 7, at least 10,022 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli attacks as well as at least 155 people in the Occupied West Bank.

“There have been over 4,891 children killed, roughly 26,000 people have been injured and over 1.5 million people have been displaced, which equates to well over half of the population.

“More than 1,405 people have been killed in Israel and 5,600 people have been injured. There is absolutely no justification for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians.

“Residents of Gaza have flocked to hospitals and United Nations schools for safety, hoping that Israel will abide by international law and not attack those coordinates.

“However, places of shelter and medical care have also not been free from Israeli attacks — 150 medical staff have now been killed, 28 ambulances destroyed and 50 ambulances damaged – 16 out of 35 hospitals are out of service in the Gaza Strip and 32 medical care facilities are out of operation.

“At least 36 journalists have been killed; 31 were Palestinian, 4 Israeli journalists and one Lebanese, since the Israel-Gaza war began on October 7.”

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has said, “At this critical hour, I appeal to all to pull back from the brink before the violence claims even more lives and spreads even further.”