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Live blog update| Israel's war on Gaza

Leading UK charities gather on Millenium Bridge to call for ceasefire

Ahead of International Women's Day, several of the UK's largest international aid charities and networks gathered on Millenium Bridge, holding a floral wreath and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

In a statement, the organisations, which included Action Against Hunger, GAPS and Oxfam, highlighted the "devastating effect" the conflict has had on the lives and dignity of women and girls.

"Women in Gaza are having to give birth in shelters, in their homes, in the streets amid rubble, or in overwhelmed health care facilities," they said.

"Pregnant and breastfeeding women are particularly vulnerable as illness and hunger have spread."

The lack of clean drinking water and hygiene facilities have also increased the risks facing women and girls, the organisations said.