Over 150,000 join national march in London against forced displacement of Gazans

More than 150,000 people took to the streets of London yesterday in a powerful display of solidarity with the Palestinian people, protesting against US and Israeli efforts to forcibly displace Gazans. The National March for Palestine, organised by a coalition of human rights and advocacy groups, saw demonstrators march from Whitehall to the US Embassy, sending a clear message of defiance against the orchestrated ethnic cleansing campaign.

Carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza, protesters braved the cold to reaffirm their unwavering support for Palestinian rights. The march, which included families, activists, students, and faith leaders, was one of the largest demonstrations in recent months, reflecting the growing global outrage over Israel’s ongoing aggression and Western complicity.

Zaher Birawi, Chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB), commented on the escalating, stating: “The world must take an unequivocal stance against these crimes and reject any attempt to erase the Palestinian people. The resilience of the Palestinian people has been proven time and again, and no amount of political manoeuvring will change their rightful claim to their homeland.”

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Faris Amer, speaking on behalf of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, delivered a powerful message rejecting US interference in Gaza. “Donald Trump, a common thug, thinks he can waltz into Gaza and take it like it’s his birthright. For 15 months, the Zionists tried to take Gaza. For 15 months, they tried to break the Palestinian spirit, and they failed miserably, and Donald Trump will, too. Gaza does not belong to Trump, nor does it belong to Netanyahu. In fact, every inch of Palestine belongs to the Palestinians.” His speech underscored the growing global resistance to Western-backed Israeli aggression and the determination of Palestinians to reclaim their rights.

In addition, a distinguished lineup of speakers addressed the rally, representing a broad coalition of human rights activists, politicians, and community leaders. Among them were:

• Ben Jamal, Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign
• Ragad Altikriti, representing the Muslim Association of Britain
• Lindsey German, representing Stop the War Coalition
• Sophie Bolt, representing the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
• Ismail Patel, representing Friends of Al-Aqsa
• Zarah Sultana MP, Member of Parliament for Coventry South
• Jeremy Corbyn MP, former Labour leader and independent MP for Islington North
• Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union
• Eddie Dempsey, Senior Assistant General Secretary of the RMT
• Owen Jones, journalist and activist
• Chris Nineham, political activist and founder member of Stop the War Coalition
• Michael Rosen, beloved children’s author and poet
• Jeanine Hourani, British Palestinian from Gaza
• Hamza Sittam, speaking on behalf of families in Gaza
• Daniel Wernberg, representing Jewish blocs supporting Palestine
• Yara Eid, Palestinian journalist from Gaza
• Juliet Stevenson, stage and screen actor and campaigner for human rights

Speakers at the rally condemned the US administration’s pressure on Jordan and Egypt to absorb Palestinian refugees, calling it a blatant attempt to facilitate the depopulation of Gaza. They urged Western governments to break their silence and take decisive action against Israel’s crimes, rather than enabling them through military aid and political cover.

One of the key themes of the protest was the importance of continued grassroots mobilisation. Organisers emphasised that mass demonstrations are crucial in pressuring governments to shift their stance and uphold international law.

The National March for Palestine is part of an ongoing wave of global protests against the war on Gaza, with demonstrations also taking place in major cities across Europe and the United States. As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, calls for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for war crimes grow louder.

Yesterday’s demonstration reaffirmed that despite political inaction, the people’s movement for justice and liberation remains stronger than ever. Organisers vowed to continue mobilising until Palestine is free and Gaza is safe.

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