Over 125,000 individuals took to the streets of London on Saturday in a powerful display of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The 22nd National Demonstration for Palestine began at Park Lane and proceeded to Whitehall, marking a significant moment of unity and defiance against the UK government’s support of Israel. The message was clear: the UK’s complicity must end, and justice must prevail.
The march, coordinated by the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB), Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Friends of Al-Aqsa, and the Muslim Association of Britain, coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The event followed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) historic issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling attention to Israel’s ongoing war crimes and the suffering of Palestinians.
Protesters demanded that the UK government cease supporting Israel’s violent occupation and its violations of international law. They called for an end to diplomatic, military, and economic ties with Israel, urging the government to impose an arms embargo and ensure Israeli war criminals face justice in accordance with the ICC warrants.
The demonstration featured impassioned speeches from several prominent figures. Labour MP Kim Johnson condemned the UK government’s complicity and advocated for a complete reformation of Britain’s foreign policy. Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn sharply criticized Israel’s apartheid policies, highlighting the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable.
Palestinian doctor Dr. Ahmad Mukallalati shared firsthand accounts from Gaza, stressing the dire need for humanitarian intervention. Actor and activist Khalid Abdalla called for global solidarity, framing the Palestinian struggle within the broader fight for justice for all oppressed communities. Renowned actor Juliet Stevenson highlighted the importance of collective action, while Halima Begum, CEO of Oxfam, called for both immediate humanitarian aid and a political resolution to end the violence.
The march concluded with a resolute call for the UK government to cease arming Israel, to stop shielding it from international accountability, and to stand firmly with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and self-determination. Demonstrators made it clear that they will continue their efforts until the UK ends its support for Israel’s war crimes and works to bring an end to the occupation of Palestine.
The large turnout served as a clear reminder to the government that public opinion is overwhelmingly opposed to its continued backing of Israel’s actions. This demonstration marks a turning point in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights, as people across the UK and around the world demand an end to the occupation and call for governments to stop enabling Israel’s apartheid policies.
