Demonstrations in support of Palestine persist in London
According to a report by the IRNA correspondent on Saturday, demonstrators were heard voicing slogans critical of Israel, urging for a cessation of hostilities and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza region.
Individuals from diverse nationalities and religious backgrounds convened initially at Hyde Park in central London, subsequently voicing anti-Israel slogans and calling for Palestinian liberation as they advanced toward the Prime Minister’s office on Whitehall Street.
During this protest movement, demonstrators wielded placards emblazoned with slogans demanding an end to the apartheid system in the occupied territories and an immediate halt to ongoing hostilities. Bearing the Palestinian flag, participants emphasized their commitment to sustaining protests in response to the continued actions of the Zionist regime in Gaza.
Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in the United Kingdom and a key organizer of today’s demonstration, told reporters that the Zionist regime continues to commit violations following 400 days of alleged genocide in Palestine.
He underscored allegations that the Israeli authorities have been engaged in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in northern Gaza over the past month. Reports suggest that more than 130,000 children under the age of 10 are deprived of essential food and clean water. Additionally, it is reported that 40 percent of the fatalities in Gaza consist of children aged 5 to 9.
He declared, “While Israel continues its oppressive actions against the Palestinian people, we have simultaneously been urging British organizations to halt investments and economic engagements with Israel.”
In response to mounting pressure from pro-Israel advocacy groups, British police have implemented stringent measures on demonstrations opposing Israeli policies, as today’s protest highlights.
The British Islamic Human Rights Commission has addressed a formal letter to London Police Chief Mark Rowley, expressing their objections to the increasing arrests of individuals supporting Palestine during anti-Israel demonstrations in London. The organization has called for an apology, citing concerns over the violation of the protesters’ rights.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the United Kingdom have gathered in central London and near governmental offices during weekends. They have protested against the actions of the Israeli government and called for an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
On October 7, the Israeli government launched a significant military operation in Gaza following an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. This development came in response to what Hamas described as increasing hostilities by Israeli forces against Palestinians.
Israel has enforced a total blockade on the densely-populated region, halting the supply of fuel, electricity, food, and water to the over two million Palestinians residing in the area.
