People gathered for a swimming event at the beach to show solidarity with war-torn Gaza.

Crowds took to the sea on Brighton beach yesterday to stand with "people in Gaza who would normally be enjoying the summer swimming and relaxing”.

The Swim with Gaza event took place in 30 different locations, including Hastings and Worthing.

Last year, swimmers raised thousands of pounds for swimming lessons for children in Gaza run by Amjed Tantesh, who Swim with Gaza now says is displaced by the war.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: “After ten months of bombardment and invasion by a ruthless army in which tens of thousands are being killed and housing and infrastructure destroyed, how can we think of swimming?

“Survival is foremost in everybody’s minds.

“But people are going to the beach in Gaza, even now, to swim. Some are living on the beach in tents.

“Together with many others around the world, we will show our solidarity with the people of Gaza, who are showing such inspiring steadfastness and resilience.”