29 Apr. 24: A massive demonstration took place in London on Saturday, as thousands gathered at Parliament Square to protest Israeli attacks and demand an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
Carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Stop the genocide,” demonstrators voiced their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 34,300 since Oct. 7 due to Israeli attacks.
Protesters criticized the British government’s stance on Israel and called for an end to arms supply from the US and the UK, which they argued fuels Israel’s military actions.
Among the participants were protesters from various anti-Israel Jewish groups, highlighting the diversity of support for the Palestinian cause.
While some pro-Israeli protesters staged a demonstration along the march route, there were also pro-Palestine Jewish protesters advocating against genocide.
Jude Bliss, a 39-year-old protester, emphasized the importance of showing solidarity with Gazans, describing the situation as a genocide and calling for immediate action to suspend arms provision to Israel.
The rally was attended by prominent figures including Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, and Michelle O’Neill, the first minister of Northern Ireland.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in huge casualties, with Israel accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January called on Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.