Travellers through the Red Route were confronted with a macabre spectacle this week, with the outline of over a hundred bodies drawn in chalk outside the Roger Stevens building.

The outlines were sketched to raise awareness for the conflict in the Gaza Strip. According to Joseph Bilsborough, who took part in the stunt, each of the outlines represented a Palestinian fatality in the Gaza region.

“These chalk outlines – where every murdered Palestinian was noted with their name and age – constituted an attempt by a group of individuals to remind students and staff that behind all the rhetoric lies people.

He continued, “newly orphaned children, newly childless parents; grieving brothers, sisters, families and friends have all been indiscriminately punished for simply being born in Gaza. This should be something we all find abhorrent, regardless of our political stance”

A ceasefire between Hamas and the Israeli government, brokered by Egypt, was still in place at the time of print.

Writing on their Twitter, Leeds University Union Jewish Society showed their support for the ceasefire, urging followers to “Prays for peace in Israel! This [conflict] needs to stop!”

During the eight days of rocket bombardments and airstrikes, it has been reported that 161 Palestinians were killed, and six Israelis.

Words: Max Bruges