Election hopefuls vying to become Ealing Central & Acton next MP were grilled over their stance on the Israel-Gaza crisis at the first hustings of the campaign, held at Acton Mosque this week. 

All but one of the candidates attended the event, to talk on various questions including corruption, the NHS and university fees. 

In response to the question 'what would each candidate and their parties do to end further killing of innocent lives in Gaza?' Independent candidate Julie Carter recounted an earlier conversation with her Jewish-Iraqi friend who supports a two-state solution. 

However, Ms Carter disagreed, citing her research and experience in the Middle East and that a two-state solution "isn't possible at this time."  

Still, she said believes the killings have to stop and that it is up to communities to come together. 

Next was Dr Rupa Huq (Labour), who was interrupted by an audience member during her first attempt at giving an answer to the question. 

She told voters that to stop the killings, the UK must suspend arm sales to Israel and comply with the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

Dr Huq also said the UK must officially recognise the state of Palestine. 

Alastair Mitton (Liberal Democrats) explained that a ceasefire is needed to stop the deaths of innocents in Gaza but that it would not be achieved until hostages are returned. 

An issue on a lot of resident's minds was the Israel-Gaza war (credit: Cesar Medina).

Like Dr Huq, Mr Mitton supports the banning of weapons sales to Israel and recognising Palestine as a state. 

Stephen Balogh answered by saying the SDP "does not hold a formal position" and that like the situation in Ukraine, there will be no peace until "there is a cessation of military activity." 

Next was Nada Jarche (Worker's Party), who said what was happening between Israel and Gaza is not a "war" but a "genocide" against Palestinian people.  

Appearing emotional, she also referenced that the amount the UK has sent in licenced arms to Israel (£574 million), could be used for British people, "for a better Britain and better lives." 

Conservative candidate James Windsor-Clive faced disruption when trying to reply to the question, saying he wants to see an end to the "conflict as soon as possible." 

He continued that the Conservative Government "has acted' by sending £100 million in aid, wanting to see "a long term" solution, release of hostages, the removal of Hamas, a new government in Gaza and the West Bank and "the proper platform for a two-state solution." 

Lastly, Kate Crossland (Green) responded by saying that "we must all raise our voices to call for a ceasefire" between Israel and Gaza.  

She was also critical of the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair that occurs in east London once every two years saying it is "disgusting." 

Ms Crossland told the audience: "We can drive anti-Semitism, we can drive Islamophobia with the words that we use, and we must be careful and we must be respectful.  

"And that's something we can all do in this room." 

The next hustings for Ealing Central & Acton are this evening (26 June) from 7:30pm - 9:30pm at St Mary's Church Hall, W3 9NW. 

Reform UK's candidate for Ealing Central & Acton, Felix Orrell, was the only candidate standing who did not attend despite the mosque saying it approached him "numerous" times. 

Ealing Nub News will be providing more coverage of the hustings and the other questions asked.