Thousands of protesters marched in central London today to demand an end to violence in Gaza and Lebanon, as the war in the Palestinian territories approaches its first anniversary.
Palestinian supporters from across the country began a march from Russell Square to Downing Street to demand an end to the conflict, which has killed nearly 42,000 people in Gaza. Today, at the 20th National March for Palestine in London, familiar words – stop the fire now, stop bombing hospitals, stop bombing civilians and by sea, Palestine will be free – are being shouted of “Don’t touch Lebanon”.
The gathering took place before the first anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel by militants from the Palestinian group Hamas that resulted in the death of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to AFP figures based on official Israeli statistics. Retaliatory strikes by Israeli forces have killed at least 41,825 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by regional health officials and described as reliable by the United Nations.
Zackerea Bakir, 28, said he had been involved in many protests across the UK. Protesters continue to gather in large numbers because everyone wants change, Bakir told AFP.
The situation is getting worse, but nothing seems to be changing… I think it’s tiring to continue to show, Bakir said, joined his mother and brother in the party. Police work
Many protesters carried signs reading “Starmer has blood on his hands”.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Hamas militants, as well as the suspension of certain concessions to Israel. However, many who attended the meeting said that was not enough.
Sophia Thomson, 27, found the Labor government’s position hypocritical. According to Thomson, the number of protests shows that the government is not talking about the people.
It’s not enough. This is not enough, Bakir added, calling on the government to stop giving the Israeli government carte blanche.
London’s Metropolitan Police have deployed a heavy police presence ahead of the planned protests and commemorations. Although the rally was largely peaceful, two people were arrested for assaulting an emergency worker, Metropolitan Police said.
Three other people were arrested after clashes broke out between the march and the protest. Although the number of protesters is not known, it appears to be larger than other recent demonstrations, the Met said in X.
Another conference was held at the same time in the Irish capital, Dublin. The commemoration of the October 7 attacks will take place tomorrow in London.
