A human rights activist trekked 130 kilometres to the Holy Land calling for the equal treatment of all who live in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

Douglas Saltmarshe joined Jews, Christians and Muslims on the Just Walk from London to Jerusalem to mark the centenary of the Balfour Declaration.

Mr Saltmarsh of Walthamstow walked the final leg of the journey from Amman, Jordan to Jerusalem, finishing November 2.

The Balfour Declaration was issued by the British government during the First World War calling for “a national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.

“One-hundred years ago my government gave away land over which it had no entitlement,” said Mr Saltmarshe.

“The deteriorating situation has resulted in 50 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank.

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The Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem.

“This has included seizure of Palestinian land, illegal settlements, the abuse of Palestinian human rights and the cruel 10 year blockade of Gaza.

“This must stop. It is unjust and the Palestinian people are being inhumanely treated.

“I call upon the British government to acknowledge its sorry contribution in bringing about this state of affairs and to now actively support the Palestinian people in the assertion of their rights and to forthwith recognise their sovereign status within the 1967 borders.”

The walk took trekkers through southern England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey and Jordan where the walkers followed the ancient pilgrimage routes to Jerusalem.

It was organised by the Christian human rights charity Amos Trust as an act of solidarity with people living in the Holy Land and a call for peace and justice.

Director Chris Rose, who also walked the majority of the route said: “We were delighted that Douglas joined us as we walked from London to Jerusalem.

“Everyone who took part in the walk believes that one hundred years is far too long for any conflict to go unresolved. “

“The continued occupation and theft of Palestinian land on the West Bank cannot continue.

“The siege of Gaza must end.

“Jews and Palestinians must be treated equally across all of the Holy Land with economic prosperity and security for all.

“This is why we walk.”