LONDON: Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday, urging the United Kingdom government to call for an immediate ceasefire as Israel escalated its brutal airstrikes and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the march drew significant crowds, with aerial footage capturing the protesters as they set off, aiming to conclude their demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament after passing by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Downing Street office.
Despite calls from various quarters, the British government, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has refrained from explicitly demanding a ceasefire. Instead, the government has advocated for humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid delivery to the Palestinian people in Gaza, a stance that has been met with criticism from protesters.
Pro-Palestinian Protestors Denounce Israeli Brutalities in Gaza
Demonstrators voiced their concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and Palestinian rights. One protester, Camille Revuelta, highlighted the importance of protecting Palestinian lives and called for an end to the Israeli violence. “This is not about Hamas. This is about protecting Palestinian lives,” she emphasized.
London police, who faced criticism earlier for not being stricter during a pro-Palestinian march last week, were prepared for the event. Approximately 2,000 officers were deployed across the city, and special restrictions were imposed around the Israeli Embassy to maintain order. Authorities warned against hate crimes and urged protesters to remain vigilant against disinformation and manipulation.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly urged participants in pro-Palestinian protests to be cautious, highlighting the potential for disinformation and manipulation.
