AFTER ten days of fasting, a York man’s campaign to draw attention to the Israeli attacks on Gaza has entered a new phase.

John Bibby, who vowed to go without food until a ceasefire was called in the Middle East, ended his fast yesterday afternoon.

Now 90 more people will carry it on, each going on hunger strike for a day, with his wife, Shirley, the first to take up the baton.

Mr Bibby, 64, of Heworth, said although a tentative ceasefire had now been called between Israel and Hamas, there was still work to do because the Israeli blockade of the Strip was slowly killing the Palestinians living there.

“The last week in York has shown that ordinary people can make amazing things happen,” he said. “We’ve turned a crazy idea into a sustainable reality – one man fasting has been turned into 100 people taking action.

“Although there’s a ceasefire, the children are still not getting water, food or medication because of the blockade. If we celebrate the ceasefire at all, it should only be the way we celebrate when a serial killer is convicted. Those responsible shouldn’t be treated like heroes, but like thugs.”

There was a final one-hour vigil for the children of Gaza at the Minster yesterday, after which a 100-day candle was lit in St Nicholas’ Chapel.

The Dean of York, the Very Rev Keith Jones, said: “John Bibby has spoken for many who are aware of the number of children caught up in conflicts in today’s world, in Gaza and elsewhere. We at York Minster pray for all those children and mark our concern today by lighting a candle and inviting prayers at the Chapel of Nicholas.”

The 100-day fast will now be based at St Martin’s Church, in Coney Street. Mr Bibby said many people had already volunteered to fast for a day between 7pm and 7pm, until April 18.

He said volunteers did not need to spend their fast at the church but would go about their normal lives.

Those interested in volunteering should email him at gazafast@googlemail.com * Palestinians were last night venturing out into the streets of Gaza to see what was left of their homes.

More than 1,200 people have died during three weeks of fighting.