More than 125,000 rally in London for Palestinian rights
- Tens of thousands marched through London's streets to demonstrate against Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have claimed nearly 45,000 lives.
- Speakers at the event called for the UK government to apply sanctions on Israel and end arms sales, demanding accountability for alleged war crimes.
- The protest, organized by multiple NGOs and advocacy groups, attracted over 125,000 participants, reflecting a significant public outcry for humanitarian intervention.
On Saturday, November 30, 2024, tens of thousands of individuals gathered in London to protest against Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties. The march commenced from Park Lane, where participants displayed flags and banners advocating for the collective rights of Palestinians and condemning the Israeli government's actions. The demonstration concluded at Whitehall, outside the residence of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Throughout the event, speakers included Palestinian activists and representatives from NGOs who emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian intervention, urging the British government to reconsider its stance towards Israel's military actions. The rally was organized by a coalition of groups, including the Palestinian Forum in Britain, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and Stop the War Coalition among others. They collectively demanded that the UK cease military sales to Israel and called for accountability regarding what they term as complicity in Israeli war crimes. A Palestinian doctor, Ahmed Mokhallalati, spoke to attendees about the dire situation in Gaza, recounting the impact of the conflict on civilians and urging for active support from the international community to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the London Metropolitan Police issued warnings prior to the protest regarding the legal ramifications of expressing support for proscribed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which are categorized as terrorist organizations under British law. The police had indicated a strong presence anticipated during the protest to manage not only the marchers but also any counter-protesters, particularly those from the pro-Israel group, Stop the Hate, which accused the Palestine supporters of endorsing terrorism. The demonstration highlights a growing movement within the UK that advocates for Palestinian rights and seeks to challenge governmental complicity in international humanitarian crises. The increasing number of participants in such protests suggests a significant shift in public sentiment regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, pushing for a more robust response from policymakers in the UK. The event not only serves as a platform for voices advocating for Palestinian rights but also underscores the urgency of addressing international humanitarian law and the responses to ongoing conflicts in the region.