HUNDREDS of cyclists are gearing up for the Big Ride for Palestine 2020, which will take place across the country next week.

The event, now in its sixth year, will be split between hundreds of smaller rides, in adherence to social-distancing guidelines.

It is being supported by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, War on Want, Jews for Justice for Palestinians, and Campaign Against Arms Trade. 

The event will raise funds for the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA), which supports children traumatised by Israel’s siege on Gaza.

Cyclists can choose to ride 36 or 44 miles — the lengths of the military fences along the Israeli and Egyptian borders which hold two million Gazans in an open prison — between Monday July 27 and Sunday August 2.

Organisers said they wanted this year’s event to focus on the Israeli government’s threats to annex parts of the West Bank. 
 
One of the event’s organisers, Owen Cooper, said: “That’s why we’re asking riders and supporters to contact their MP and place pressure on the UK government to take effective measures, including the use of sanctions when a country we trade with is breaking international law.”

To read more or to sign up, visit https://www.thebigride4palestine.com/