Nearly 150,000 demonstrators marched together in London on Saturday condemning Israel’s atrocities in Gaza, Jerusalem, and other parts of historic Palestine. The demonstration was organised by the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB), Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA), Stop the War Coalition, and the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB).
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn MP was among the speakers at the rally and expressed his sympathy and grief for the victims of the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
The Palestinian ambassador to the UK Dr Husam Zomlot noted that the huge numbers of attendees are the answer to those who doubt the support of public opinion and solidarity with the Palestinians.
Vice President of the PFB, Zahir Birawi said the demonstration which coincided with the 73rd anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba was a reminder of Britain’s complicity against the Palestinian people which began with the Balfour Declaration. He added the Palestinian people will never forget or forgive these crimes if Britain does not apologise and stop supporting the terrorist state of Israel.
MAB president Raghad Altikriti expressed gratitude to the Palestinian people for their strength and resilience and criticised the British government’s disgraceful silence, despite the atrocities committed by the Israeli government. Altikriti saluted all those who answered the call and came out to demonstrate their solidarity for the Palestinian people. She emphasised the right of the Palestinians to exist, to resist, and to return.
In Manchester, a large demonstration was held with over 5,000 attendees. Former mayor of the city, Afzal Khan, emphasised the importance of supporting the Palestinian cause and holding Britain accountable, morally and legally towards the Palestinian people. He also demanded official acknowledgment that Palestine is subject to an illegal military occupation.
Other cities including Birmingham and Bradford also hosted protests.
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