In a show of solidarity with Palestinians, thousands marched across Britain, demanding a ceasefire amid heightened tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Protests in London, Manchester, and Glasgow drew significant crowds, with police anticipating 100,000 in London alone. One arrest was made in London after an assault on an officer, while a woman was knocked over by a startled police horse during the demonstration. Red and green flares lit up the London sky as a symbol of support for Palestine.
As Israel intensified its offensive on Gaza, cutting off communication for the 2.3 million population, concerns over civilian casualties grew. The Palestinian death toll rose, with over 7,000 reported killed, according to the Hamas-controlled Gazan health ministry. Calls for a ceasefire echoed in the UK, with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasising the government’s stance on “humanitarian pauses.” Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer faced pressure to shift his position after several Labour figures supported a ceasefire.
Foreign Secretary Cleverly, while expressing support for Palestinian civilians, stressed the need to condemn Hamas, highlighting the government’s commitment to humanitarian aid and the evacuation of trapped British nationals in Gaza. However, he voiced skepticism about Hamas adhering to a ceasefire. The situation remains fluid, with political figures navigating the delicate balance between supporting Palestinians and addressing security concerns for Israel.
