Hastings community groups will come together on Sunday March 29 to march against the US and Israeli war on Iran - and they are inviting people to join them.

The ‘Hastings Says No To War’ demonstration will start at midday in Hastings Town Centre at Robertson Street, before marching to the Peace Garden in Alexandra Park.

It is supported by a coalition of religious and social justice groups including Hastings Jews for Justice, Hastings Quakers, Women’s Voice, XR Peace, Hastings and District Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Hastings and District Trades Council.

Katy Weitz said: “The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on 28 February which has so far killed over 1,500 civilians, including 175 schoolgirls and staff who were killed on the first day of the war when the US bombed a school in Minab, southeast Iran.

placeholder image — Anti War march at Hastings

“Twenty Iranian hospitals and health care facilities have come under attack with more than 80,000 civilian building units hit by missiles, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

“The assault has prompted Iran to semi-close the Straits of Hormuz, a vital waterway that allows the Gulf states to transport oil and liquified natural gas, leading to a huge spike in oil prices and sending economic shockwaves around the world.”

Bill Perry, speaking on behalf of the new Hastings Stop the War coalition, said: “We want our government to be a force for peace in the world. We need to stand up now and let our leaders know that Hastings rejects this war.”

For more information see the Facebook event page or visit the website hastingsstopthewar.org or instagram page @hastingsstopthewar and to get in touch email [email protected]