Supporters advocating for Palestine initiated a march from Russell Square to Downing Street, calling for an end to the ongoing conflict that has claimed nearly 42,000 lives in Gaza.
The march, marking its 20th anniversary in London, echoed with calls for a ceasefire, the cessation of bombings on hospitals and civilians, and slogans advocating for Palestinian liberation from river to sea, with new chants supporting Lebanon.
The demonstration coincided with the upcoming anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas in Israel, which left 1,205 mostly civilian casualties as per AFP’s count using Israeli sources.
In retaliation, Israel’s military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 41,825 people in Gaza, predominantly civilians, with figures confirmed by local health authorities and recognized by the United Nations (UN).
Zackerea Bakir, 28, a veteran of multiple UK marches, emphasized the growing frustration over the worsening situation and the lack of change, despite frequent public demonstrations. He participated in the rally with his family.
The protest saw attendees criticizing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with some displaying signs accusing him of having “blood on his hands.”
While Starmer has advocated for a ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, his stance has faced criticism for being insufficient and inconsistent, particularly from protestors like Sophia Thomson, 27, who labelled the Labour government’s position as “hypocritical.”
The Metropolitan Police had prepared extensively for the event, which remained largely peaceful, though tensions led to the arrest of two individuals for assaulting an emergency worker and three others amid skirmishes with a counter-protest.
The turnout was reportedly high, surpassing recent similar events, according to police estimates.
Concurrently, a rally was held in Dublin, with plans for a memorial in London the following day to mark the October 7 attacks.
