Amid the ongoing bombardment in Gaza, tens of thousands of protesters turned out Saturday afternoon in London demanding action against Israel for their alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The protest was organised by pro-Palastine groups including Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al Aqsa, Muslim Association of Britain, Palestine Forum of Britain, Stop the War Coalition, and others demanding an end to the occupation of Palestine.
I’m overwhelmed by the huge turnout today in support of the people of Palestine,” Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Ambassador said while addressing the huge gathering before 10 Downing Street.
Many left and Muslim organisations and trade unions expressed their solidarity with the protest and the people of Palestine.
The rally was held despite threats of a police crackdown against pro-Palestine protests by officials.
The protesters were seen waving huge Palestinian flags, and raising slogans including “free Palestine, shame on Rishi Sunak, & Netanyahu.”
This happened challenging a recent suggestion issued to the police by the UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, that waving the Palestinian flag or singing chants advocating freedom for Arabs in the region may be a criminal offence equating them to supporting Hamas, which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government and its western allies.
“The UK government is in complicit to the genocide of the people in Gaza by Israel.” A protestor told Maktoob Media.
While marching from the BBC headquarters to the UK PM’s office in 10 Downing Street, thousands demanded immediate de-escalation and end the Gaza Strip’s complete blockade.
Protestors have painted BBC’s entrance red colour accusing it is in complicit with Israel’s war crimes.
“Stop arming Israel, stop bombing Gaza,” protesters were heard chanting.
“The huge turnout is a message and slap on the face of the UK government for its hypocrisy. They were celebrating when Ukrainians resisted the Russian oppression, but criminalising when Palestinians are doing the same against brutal occupation and oppression,” said a protester.
Apart from London, protests were held in other major cities in the UK including Manchester, Nottingham, and Coventry. Rallies in support of Palestine happened across the world on Saturday and Friday.
