The Dean of Peterborough Cathedral has withdrawn his appearance from a Free Palestine march held last Sunday, stating he "would not want to appear to endorse the view that Israel has no right to exist". 

The Very Rev Chris Dalliston was scheduled to speak at the rally alongside other speakers, including Rabbi Elhanan Beck, Louise Regan from the National Education Union, and Dr Wijid Jawaid, a surgeon from Cambridge.

However, in a Facebook post on Saturday, Rev Chris expressed his regret for pulling out of the event. He emphasised that his decision should not be interpreted as support for the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

He stated: “I want to make it clear that I continue to believe there is no moral justification for the unrelenting violence and bloodshed that is devastating the lives of so many innocent civilians, children, women, and men in Gaza.

"I further believe that there should be an immediate end to hostilities, the release of hostages, and that work should commence towards a diplomatic solution that enables all people, Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Christians, and Muslims to live in peace, dignity, and safety.”

Rev Chris reiterated his belief in a “two-state solution” to “ultimately guarantee a future in which all can hope to flourish”.

He concluded his statement by quoting the prophet Micah: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? These must be the guiding principles for any future settlement. The Cathedral community will continue to pray for peace with justice for all.”

Patrick Brooks, secretary of the rally's organisers, the Peterborough Palestine Solidarity Campaign, expressed their regret over the Dean's withdrawal and added that the "slaughter of citizens of Gaza is our driving to end this barbaric war and see the rights of all Palestinians accorded their due respect."