A large crowd gathered in London this Saturday, with tens of thousands calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during the eighth pro-Palestinian demonstration in the United Kingdom since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October. The march drew participants from across age groups and walked toward central landmarks, signaling a sustained wave of public engagement on the issue.
Participants moved through the capital, converging near Whitehall in the heart of London. Onlookers and officials described conversations outside the Downing Street area, where the prime minister’s residence and office are located, as the protest continued throughout the day. Police officers kept a steady presence, balancing crowd management with a sensitivity to the political sentiment surrounding the march and the broader conflict. (Source: Reuters)
Among those addressing the crowd were former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT transport union, who spoke to assembled supporters about the moral and political dimensions of the situation. Their remarks highlighted a sense of solidarity and a call for continued civic action in the face of ongoing violence. (Source: Reuters)
Solidarity Campaign Director Palestine, Ben Jamal, underscored the motivation for sustained demonstrations. He stated that participants see themselves as standing on the right side of history and aligned with the oppressed, signaling a firm commitment to continued advocacy as events unfold. (Source: AP)
The protest followed comments from Foreign Secretary David Cameron suggesting that the United Kingdom could consider recognizing a Palestinian state or supporting certain aspects of the peace process, albeit with conditions related to Hamas’s governance in Gaza. The implications of such positions were debated publicly as part of the broader discourse on achieving a durable ceasefire and a two-state solution. (Source: Reuters)
Official policy from the Conservative Government and Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has prioritized Israel’s right to defend itself while advocating for humanitarian pauses and pauses in fighting as a pathway toward a sustainable ceasefire. The stance reflects the balancing act seen in parliamentary debates and government statements as authorities weigh diplomatic options against the urgency of civilian protection. (Source: AP)
In the capital, organizers and participants described the demonstrations as peaceful yet resolute, emphasizing that the purpose of the protests is to advocate for humanitarian relief, an end to civilian harm, and a negotiated political resolution. The events were framed as part of a larger international conversation about how to address a protracted regional crisis through diplomatic channels and international pressure. (Source: Reuters)