Massive Attack visit Palestinian refugee camp ahead of fundraising gig

Massive Attack visited Palestinian refugees in Lebanon this week, before staging a fundraising concert for victims of the Israel/Palestine conflict.

The band have long been vocal supporters of the people of Palestine, who are facing a heavily escalating attack from Israel as part of a conflict which has been going on for over 50 years. Since 8 July, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of whom were civilians.

Band members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall were taken on a tour of the Al Naqab Center in Lebanon, which was set up for Palestinians who have recently arrived as refugees from Syria.

Del Naja said: "Today we want to show our love, solidarity and support for the Palestinian people in Gaza. All of them have a right to a life of dignity and beauty. As citizens of the UK, we are very aware of the role our country has played in shaping the history of the region. Like most people we believe in peace and justice over violence and oppression."

He added: "The crisis for Palestinians everywhere is most evident with the horrific violence and loss of life we have been witnessing in Gaza these past weeks. Massive Attack have always supported the Palestinian people in their struggle."

During their headline slot at Longitude Festival last weekend, the band displayed a lit-up message reading, "Gaza has been occupied or under restrictions since 1948."