Healthcare workers from across West Yorkshire held a candle light vigil for Gaza on Friday (December 22).

On a cold wintery night, a group of over 30 people gathered at the Mandala’s Garden in Leeds city centre.

The peaceful vigil was held in memory of healthcare workers and civilians killed in the conflict.

This event was part of a global candlelight movement for healthcare workers organized by a group called Health Workers for Palestine.

It is a collaboration of multiple NGOs and humanitarian aid agencies that have been active in Gaza for many years.

Among the speakers was Dr. Sabeen Kamal , a GP from Bradford, who read a couple of poems from the Palestinian poet Dr. Refaat Alareer.

Dr. Abdelaal, an emergency doctor from Gaza, who currently works in Leeds as Emergency and family doctor, also spoke.

He expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by the healthcare workers in West Yorkshire and shared his own experiences of losing many members of his family in the conflict.

The ceremony was followed by  a one-minute silence.

As Christmas approaches, Claire, an emergency junior doctor, told how Mary was seeking shelter and safety for her baby and how many mothers are doing that currently in Gaza.

She shared her belief that Jesus is the messenger for peace and light to the darkness of this world.

The vigil closed with the words: "Ceasefire now, hospitals are not a target. One struggle, one fight, healthcare is a human right."