In a resounding display of solidarity, tens of thousands converged on central London to fervently demand a ceasefire in the embattled Gaza Strip, while expressing their frustration with the UK government’s refusal to endorse such a measure.
As Israel intensifies its military campaign over 2,200 miles away in the coastal enclave, approximately 100,000 impassioned demonstrators gathered in the latest rally, matching the record-breaking attendance from the previous Saturday’s pro-Palestinian march in the United Kingdom. However, a discernibly more tense atmosphere characterized this demonstration, mirroring the distressing events unfolding in Gaza and the widespread exasperation with the government’s approach to the ongoing conflict.
Prior to the protest, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s statements sparked dismay when he declared that calls for a ceasefire “aren’t going to help the situation.”
Among those marching was Heff Morales, a 56-year-old company director, who joined to voice his profound disillusionment with the government. “For the first time in my life, I’m ashamed to be British,” he remarked, “and I’ve seen my fair share of events!” He went on to add, “The UK’s overarching stance has been woefully inadequate, failing to recognize the ongoing genocide.”
His wife, Nadia, also 56, shared her concern, echoing the sentiment of many participants regarding the UK’s abstention from voting on the UN resolution the previous Friday, which urged an immediate “humanitarian truce” in Gaza. “Their decision not to support a ceasefire is truly bewildering,” she said, shaking her head.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the impassioned crowd in Parliament Square, emphasizing, “It is not too much to request a ceasefire when children are losing their lives due to weapons penetrating the sanctity of their homes. The British government’s abstention on that vote will forever be a stain on our history.”
Within the vast throngs of demonstrators, Londoner Saad Mia, 47, hoisted a sizable Palestinian flag, expressing hope that the significant turnout would exert influence on the government. “The government is meant to represent us, and it should be advocating for a ceasefire, as that is what the majority of the people desire.”
Additionally, the ongoing communication blackout in Gaza weighed heavily on the minds of protesters. The blackout has made it exceedingly difficult for civilians to contact the outside world, and Shazmin Naeem, 24, suspected that it was a deliberate attempt to obscure Israeli war crimes. “Israel is enjoying unchecked freedom to carry out its campaign, attempting to eradicate the Palestinian people. Journalists within Gaza have disappeared, and the situation remains largely undocumented. We demand the truth to be revealed.”
Her friend, Iqra Asim-Amin, 17, added, “The uncertainty and lack of information make the situation even more alarming.”
Elsewhere, Helena Martins, 36, from southern Brazil, explained that her presence at the march was a testament to her condemnation of the unfolding devastation in Gaza. “They want to obliterate everything. I’m here for the sake of humanity.”
Throughout the march, stretching along the Victoria Embankment and concluding at Parliament, demonstrators resoundingly chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” despite the controversy surrounding the chant’s interpretation. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has called on police authorities to interpret the chant as an “expression of a violent desire to see Israel eliminated from the world.”
Around 2:30 pm, tensions erupted as police clashed with protesters near Downing Street. Altercations ensued, with officers directing demonstrators to disperse as they sought to regain control. Two arrests were later announced, including one for assaulting an officer who was subsequently taken to the hospital following the incident.
However, this demonstration did not witness a recurrence of the previous weekend’s scenes when a protester was recorded chanting “jihad” at a smaller gathering near the main march. In anticipation of yesterday’s rally, the Metropolitan Police clarified that officers would intervene if protesters chanted “jihad.”
