Thousands of protesters have gathered in central London in solidarity with the individuals of Palestine.
Organisers estimated that greater than 180,000 individuals had been in Hyde Park for pro-Palestinian protests on Saturday.
A big crowd blocked site visitors close to Victoria Embankment as dozens of cops watched on earlier than marching to Hyde Park.
It may very well be one of many largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in British historical past.
Speeches had been made by Labour MPs, anti-war campaigners and commerce union members on the rally.
Organisers announce 180’000+ at Palestine demonstration in London at the moment as 1000’s are nonetheless coming into the rally. That makes this the most important Palestine demonstration in British historical past.
— Ilyas Nagdee (@ilyas_nagdee) May 22, 2021
Protesters, calling for an pressing decision to the Israeli-Palestinian battle, held banners and placards bearing messages studying: “Free Palestine” and “cease the struggle”.
They may very well be heard loudly chanting: “Free Palestine.”
The protest organisers, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), determined to go forward regardless of the announcement of a ceasefire on Friday after a 11-day Israeli bombing marketing campaign that killed greater than 230 individuals and Palestinian rocket assaults that killed 12 in Israel.
Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell addressed pro-Palestinian protesters in central London. Speaking on a stage in Hyde Park to a crowd of 1000’s, he stated: “Yes, a ceasefire has been negotiated and we welcome a ceasefire. But let’s be clear, there shall be no ceasefire in our marketing campaign to boycott, disinvest and sanction the Israeli apartheid state.
The message is evident, we is not going to stop our marketing campaign in solidarity till there may be justice. So let’s make it clear, no justice, no peace.”
Organisers stated on Facebook they needed to demand that the UK authorities implement sanctions on Israel on the nationwide demonstration.
“The UK authorities should take quick motion and cease permitting Israel to behave with impunity. It should demand an finish to present proceedings to evict these households, and begin holding Israel accountable for all its actions, which contribute to the crime of apartheid,” they stated. “In the face of Israel’s brutal crimes, we will’t stay silent, we should stay on the streets.”
Demonstrators may very well be seen sporting costumes, masks and face paint, whereas others had been draped in the Palestinian flag, as they made their manner from Victoria Embankment to Hyde Park.
As the gang reached Downing Street, chants of “Boris Johnson, disgrace on you” rang out.
A brief stage has been arrange in Hyde Park the place numerous speeches shall be made this afternoon.
Protester Muktha Ali, 32, from Harrow, north-west London, stated: “I’m right here as a result of that is now pressing, the Israeli occupation wants to finish now, it’s been lengthy sufficient.”
Another, named Jake, stated: “I stand in solidarity with Palestinians, and so ought to everybody, irrespective of your nationality. It’s nice to see so many individuals come out in their 1000’s to assist the trigger. We will win – our trigger shall be heard.”
Among the teams in attendance had been branches of the National Education Union, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War Coalition.
Protesters have additionally gathered in different cities in the UK, together with Bristol, Peterborough and Nottingham.
In Manchester, 1000’s gathered in Piccadilly Gardens for an occasion being run by the Manchester Palestine Solidarity Campaign, with numerous different teams additionally collaborating.
Protests are additionally going down in Paris, Dublin and different cities all over the world.
