LONDON, (PIC)
In an unprecedented display of solidarity, more than 250,000 supporters of Palestine flooded the streets of central London on Saturday to commemorate Land Day and condemn the ongoing atrocities perpetrated against the Palestinian people. The mass demonstration, one of the largest in recent memory, brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, united in their call for justice and an end to the Israeli occupation.
Among the notable speakers who addressed the massive crowd were renowned musicians Oscar Jerome and Alexi Murdoch, esteemed comedian and activist Alexei Sayle, and esteemed poet and activist Zita Holbourne. Their impassioned speeches resonated with the sea of protesters, as they highlighted the urgent need for international action to hold Israel accountable for its crimes against humanity.
The rally was further energized by speeches from Khalid Abdalla, celebrated actor and activist, and Mansour Shouman, a Canadian-Palestinian citizen journalist who provided harrowing firsthand accounts of the plight of the Palestinian people and the siege on Gaza. The speakers underscored the importance of standing in solidarity with Palestine and urged the international community to take concrete steps to end the violence and oppression.
As the day progressed, chants of “Free Palestine” reverberated throughout Trafalgar Square, where the rally culminated. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held banners bearing messages of solidarity and resistance. The sheer scale of the demonstration underscored the growing momentum of the global movement in support of Palestinian rights.
In addition to the powerful speeches delivered by the esteemed speakers, Saturday’s demonstration in London also served as a platform to demand accountability from the UK government. Protesters fervently called on policymakers to end their complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. With banners held high and voices united, the crowd passionately urged the UK government to halt all forms of political, financial, and military support to Israel, which only emboldens its relentless aggression and perpetuates the cycle of violence in the region. As the cries for justice echoed through the streets of London, the demonstrators sent a clear message: the time for action is now. It is imperative for the UK government to heed the calls of its citizens and take a stand against injustice, ensuring that it no longer plays a role in enabling the oppression of the Palestinian people.
Adnan Hmidan, vice president of the PFB, commended the extraordinary turnout and reiterated the organizers’ commitment to sustained mass mobilization until justice is achieved for Palestine. He emphasized the significance of Land Day as a symbol of Palestinian resilience and resistance against land confiscation and oppression.
The historic demonstration concluded with a pledge from the organizers to continue amplifying the voices of the Palestinian people and advocating for an end to the illegal occupation. As the sun set over London, the spirit of solidarity remained palpable, serving as a testament to the unwavering determination of the international community to stand with Palestine in their quest for freedom and justice.
