Pupils and staff at an Oxford school have launched a campaign to raise money for the victims of Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Oxfordshire’s only Muslim faith school, the Iqra School, in David Nicholls Close, Littlemore, is urging people to contribute to a £10,000 appeal for people, in particular children, affected by the attacks which have so far seen an estimated 800 Palestinians killed and a further 3,000 injured.

The campaign was launched at the school with a fast by pupils and staff, who gave up their lunch money to the appeal.

The chairman of the school’s trustees, Dr Hojjat Ramzy, said: “The Iqra School is trying to do some donations and help.

“We’re also trying to ask the Israeli government to stop the attacks, with an immediate ceasefire and start of negotiations.”

The fast, held last Thursday, is set to be the first of many fundraising events for the cause, with cake sales and car boot sales also planned.

Dr Ramzy said: “We will go shaking tins house-to-house collecting money.

“We have seen many children from Palestine who used to come to Oxford and used to visit our school, and we have had a close relationship with the Palestinian students at the city’s two universities.”

Money collected will be distributed by the charities Islamic Relief and Muslim Aid.

Dr Ramzy said: “They’re desperate for medicine and blankets and I think if we call on everyone in Oxford, we can raise £10,000.”

He said the 140 pupils at the girls’ school were deeply affected by the plight of people in Gaza, since the attacks began a fortnight ago.

He said: “They feel awful about what’s happening, because these are their brothers and sisters in Islam.

“When you see the attacks and the little children dying it’s unbelievable. The heart goes out to them.

“This is not just for Muslims to concern themselves about, these are humans and it’s a humanitarian disaster.”

Special prayers are being said at the school and vigils held for those killed or injured.

Dr Ramzy said the city’s mosques had already raised hundreds of pounds but the school also wanted to contribute.

Elsewhere in the city, a candlelit vigil attended by more than 100 people was held in Cornmarket Street on Thursday. Protesters held banners and called for an end to military action.

Anyone who would like to donate to the appeal should send cheques made out to the Iqra School (Gaza Appeal) to 8 St Omer Road, Cowley, Oxford OX4 3HB.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk