As tensions between Israel and Palestine continue to rise, a Pro-Palestinian rally attended by 300,000 supporters was held in London on Saturday. The march ended peacefully, with only a handful of arrests, but the climate was charged and the sheer number of demonstrators made it one of the largest anti-Israel rallies seen in Britain in years.
Organizers of the rally estimate a turnout of over 300,000, with supporters coming from both Muslim and Christian communities as well as other religious and ideological backgrounds. The rally was organized to call for an end to conflict in the Middle East and the establishment of a Palestinian state. It also aimed to condemn Israel’s illegal settlements and the brutality of its armed forces.
Speakers at the rally included community leaders, political representatives and human rights activists. Among them was Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the current opposition Labour Party in Britain. In addition to his speech, he handed out flowers to the crowd and accepted a ‘Free Palestine’-emblazoned Palestinian keffiyeh.
The march itself was loud and colourful, with chants of “Free Palestine”, “Stop bombing Gaza” and “Israel is an apartheid state” ringing out throughout the streets. Although there was a large police presence to ensure the event remained peaceful, a small number of arrests were made of counter-protesters.
The rally highlights the level of international support for the Palestinian people. Despite the current political climate and the dangerous, escalating situation in the Middle East, it has become clear that people around the world will not stand idly by and watch the conflict continue to worsen.
Ultimately, the Pro-Palestinian Rally in London was an impressive display of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a call for an end to the conflict. Although the outcome of the current tensions is yet to be seen, the rally served as a reminder of the unified voice of the protesters that joined it.