Prayer vigil at Belfast City Hall in support of Israel after terror attack by Hamas

The Northern Ireland Friends of Israel have issued a statement to say the event takes place at 4.30pm on Sunday 15 October in front of the building.

The event is organised by March of Life, which organises an annual event for supporters of the Jewish community.

In a statement, the NI Friends of Israel said: "We are very grateful to our friends at March of Life for organising a much-needed Public Prayer vigil for Israel outside City Hall this Sunday, 15 October."

The group said that the authorities have been informed and that there will be a police presence at the vigil.

"The organisers wish that this be a dignified vigil to commemorate the dead, extend comfort to the bereaved and pray for the deliverance of those held captive. This wish for dignity should be respected by all attending.

"Shabbat Shalom - wishing Israel and the Jewish people a Peaceful Sabbath. This ceases to be a casual wish, but is our deeply held prayer."

NI Friends of Israel also thanked everyone who has reached out to them this week and asked us how they can help Israel at this time.

"Here is one way. Magen David Adom (Israel's Red Cross society) has launched a world-wide emergency appeal to raise funds to replenish its supplies of medicines, equipment and protective gear for its staff and volunteers - at least nine of whom were murdered last weekend in the course of their life-saving duties. For more information and the opportunity to donate please go to mdauk.org."

Meanwhile, the ​The European Union has opened an investigation into Elon Musk's X platform over concerns about the spread of illegal content and disinformation around the Israel-Hamas conflict. The European Commission has sent the social media giant a formal request for information under its new online safety rules, known as the Digital Services Act (DSA).

There has been a surge in misinformation, violent content and hate speech about the conflict on social media with both the EU and the UK warning the largest platforms to do more to stop its spread.