London (Parliament News) – Hundreds of pro-Palestine protestors braved the rain in central London, calling on the recently elected Labour government to take step over the situation in Gaza.
Photos show proponents of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) gathering at Russel Square before venturing on their march to Portcullis House. Huge demonstrators, many carrying Palestinian banners and placards calling for solidarity, assembled on a sodden street. The Met Police deployed 700 officers across the capital in expectation of the rally and other potential protests, including a rumoured Just Stop Oil interruption.
A scheduled pro-Israel counter-protest was reportedly withdrawn and did not materialise.
Hundreds of demonstrators enveloped Downing Street and were cautioned to disperse or face arrest. One person had already been charged, police said in an update.
Why Did Hundreds Rally for Gaza in Central London?
PSC director Ben Jamal described the purpose of the march: “We’re here to show the new government that we’re not going away and to require they take decisive action to end UK complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and defend Palestinian rights.”
Mr Jamal slammed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s previous perspective on the Gaza conflict, saying that he had ordered Labour MPs not to vote for a ceasefire. The PSC director highlighted the need to “ramp up” pressure on the new Labour administration. “We’re not going away,” Mr Jamal said. “You need to make sure the UK ceases to be complicit in the oppression of the Palestinian people.”
Sir Keir has contained in the Labour manifesto that a Palestinian state would be backed.
âItâs very important we have a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel,â he declared last month.
What Role Did Jeremy Corbyn Play in the London Protest?
Islington North MP and ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is stated to have joined the movement. Mr Corbyn, now an independent MP, stated: âPalestine was on the ballot in this election – and I promise to stay true to my word to stand up for the Palestinian people.
âWe said it to the Tories, and now we will say it to Labour: a government that sells arms to Israel is a government that is complicit in crimes against humanity. A change in government doesnât change the fact that the people of Gaza are still being murdered in their sleep. And it doesnât change the fact that there is only one path to a just and lasting peace: an end to the occupation of Palestine.â
How Did Met Police Prepare for the Pro-Palestine March?
The Met stated the counter-protest was set to be stationary and in the Strand area. Videographer Matt Capon tweeted that he had been to the location of the pro-Israel march, a group recognised by the Met as âEnough is Enoughâ, but stated he had seen no sign of it. He added that the counter-protest had been withdrawn âfive hours agoâ. It is supposed to be a different campaign to the left-wing âEnough is Enoughâ pressure group funded by Labourâs Zarah Sultana and RMT union leader Mick Lynch.
Mr Capon noted: âI’m walking back down Southampton Row towards the Strand towards Holborn and more people are arriving. There’s no sign of the pro-Israel counter-protest.â