Thousands march for Palestine in London on weekend of Gaza’s truce

Thousands gathered in London’s Park Lane on Saturday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and highlighting international solidarity.

The latest National March for Palestine in the British capital came on the second day of the four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, which includes the exchange of hostages and Palestinian detainees.

Ben Jamal, director of the UK-based Palestine Solidarity Campaign, told media he was anticipating a significant turnout, possibly between 100,000 to 300,000 people, although not as large as the previous weekend’s turnout where protests were taking place across the country.

“Despite the fact there’s a very repressive reaction to the marches from the authorities who are trying to suppress these displays of public support, people are still coming out in very, very large numbers,” Mr Jamal said.

He said the demonstrations reflect “diverse forms of solidarity”, from local protests to events such as flying kites with Palestinian flags.

“We’ve been alternating the big marches in London with events on week days. The days of action take place across the country,” Mr Jamal told media.

“Today, as we march in London, there are people in other towns and cities who are really staying where they are to hold protests there.”

“They’re seeing the impact on people in Gaza, the indiscriminate bombing, and they recognise these as war crimes, but then they’re outraged by the response of our government”.

He also noted the involvement of schoolchildren and families in these protests, with children sometimes leading the chants.

Mr Jamal said the protests were largely peaceful, despite some isolated incidents of hate messages on cards carried by some protesters.

Buses brought people from various parts of England including Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds.

Mr Jamal said it was difficult for people to coming to London every week, and more will be done to have local events.