FIFTEEN-hundred people stopped the traffic as they marched down Upper Street on Saturday to call for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

A pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas was being brokered this week for a prisoner hostage exchange, but campaigners said their demonstrations would continue until a full ceasefire had been agreed.

The group stopped outside the Town Hall to hand in a letter demanding the council back a complete ceasefire, before heading to Islington South MP Emily Thornberry’s office.

Council leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz said: “The conflict in Israel and Gaza has been extremely upsetting and I know many local people are personally affected. As a council, our focus remains on ensuring our borough remains the cohesive, welcoming place we all know and love, supporting our local community and offering reassurance and safety to those affected.

“The Council has refrained from making public statements on matters of foreign policy during my time as leader but I hope national leaders will do all they can to bring permanent peace to the region.”