ISRAEL'S war on Gaza has helped increase the demand for white poppies as Remembrance Day approaches on November 11, peace campaigners said today.

The Peace Pledge Union (PPU), which distributes the poppies, said more schools, universities and other educational organisations were placing orders following increased interest from students and teachers, “as more of their students recognise the importance of remembering all victims of war, including civilians and those affected by conflict today,” the group said in a statement.

Orders have increased by 30 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The PPU also reported that an increasing number of Muslim school students, among others, has shown interest in white poppies due to the crisis in the Middle East.

Geoff Tibbs, from the PPU, said: “Around the world at the moment, we are witnessing the greatest intensity of war and violence so far this century.

“On Remembrance Day, we must remember all those affected by this, as well as those who have died in the past, and make an active commitment to peace.

“It is heartening that a growing number of young people are turning to the white poppy, for the light it sheds on today’s conflicts.

“Many are alienated by the mainstream tradition of Remembrance Day, as it fails to acknowledge civilians and people of other nationalities affected by wars today.”

White poppies were first produced in 1933 by members of the Co-operative Women’s Guild to remember all victims of war, civilian and military and of all nationalities.

They also challenge militarism and declare a commitment to peace.

In Bradford, West Yorkshire, Britain’s only Peace Museum is staging an exhibition exploring remembrance in peace campaigns, including artefacts from the Peace Pledge Union’s history.

The museum has a display explaining the history and importance of the white poppy.