Israel-Gaza war: pro-Palestinian demonstrators take to streets around world in anger at siege, strikes
- Thousands have marched in London, Sydney, Tunis and elsewhere, urging Tel Aviv stop bombing Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel
- Pro-Israel demonstrations and vigils have also been held, many focused on securing the return of around 200 hostages captured by the militant group
About 100,000 people joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London on Saturday, marching through the British capital to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel two weeks ago.
Chanting “Free Palestine”, holding banners and waving Palestinian flags, the protesters moved through London before massing at Downing Street, the official residence and office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Police estimated 100,000 people had taken part in the “National March for Palestine” demonstration, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. The march appeared peaceful and there were no immediate reports of any arrests.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also marched in other cities on Saturday to demand Israel stop its bombardment of Gaza, as the Israel-Gaza war entered its third week and its ripples spread around the globe.
On the day a trickle of aid entered Gaza, where more than 1 million people have had to leave their homes because of the conflict, protesters gathered in the rain near London’s Hyde Park before marching to the government district.
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They called for an end to Israel’s blockade and air strikes launched in the wake of a brutal incursion into southern Israel by the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza.
