Pro-Palestine Protesters March in London to Mark Global Day of Action for Gaza
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in London, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
The demonstration, organized by UK-based advocacy and Palestine action groups, was one of the largest pro-Palestinian marches in London. The procession followed main roads in central London to reach the Israeli embassy.
The protests were part of the second Global Action Day for Gaza, calling for immediate action by world leaders to stop civilian killings and allow unconditional aid. Demonstrators held placards reading, “Ceasefire Now,” “Free Palestine,” and “Stop the Genocide,” echoing the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was spotted at the march. Around 1,500 police officers patrolled the area, keeping marchers away from the Israeli embassy. One demonstrator was arrested for inciting racial hatred, with 10 more arrests made during an incident at Hyde Park Corner, totaling 11 detentions.
The Met police clarified that they can't refuse permission for a protest unless there's a real risk of serious disorder. They implemented restrictions during the protest, keeping protesters over 100m away from the embassy grounds and arresting those who didn't comply.
Similar marches were held in other major European cities, all calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In a joint statement, organizers condemned the Israeli regime's actions in Gaza, citing over 1.7 million Gazans forcibly displaced, 28,000 Palestinians killed, and 100,000 injured, calling it a plausible case of genocide accepted by the ICJ.
Despite the ICJ's call to stop genocidal acts, the statement said the Israeli regime intends to proceed with a full-scale military assault on Rafah, referring to plans for a large-scale invasion of the southern Gaza town where the majority of displaced Gazans are gathered.