This protest marked the 19th time since the start of the conflict in October that people have rallied in support of Palestine. Meeting in the heart of west London, speeches kicked off the march, raising demand for Britain to impose a full arms embargo on Israel and calling for an end to the war in Gaza. Among the crowd that moved towards the Israeli embassy in South Kensington was independent MP Iqbal Mohamed, who took a firm pro-Palestine stance in July elections.
Understanding the relevance of this event requires a look back at the strained relations between Palestine and Israel. These ongoing protests are a direct response to the continuing conflict in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. It’s a critical concern that has mobilised numerous organisations such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al Aqsa, the Muslim Association of Britain, the Stop the War Coalition, and the Palestine Forum in Britain.
Despite the UK Government’s steps towards reducing arms contracts with Israel, Mohamed commented to Middle East Eye that the measure was just a “drop in the ocean” and “more needs to be done”. He further flagged concerns about potential misuse of British arms against innocent civilians, thus implicating Britain in potential war crimes. His goal as an MP and a British citizen, he claimed, is to ensure compliance with international law.
As one protester, Zaina Beyad, placed her attendance at the march in perspective, “I have back problems but that is nothing compared to what Palestinians are going through right now in Gaza.” This event also marked the first time the march for Palestine was conducted near Israel’s embassy in South Kensington.
Meanwhile, the marchers faced challenges from not only a counter-protest organised by Stop the Hate UK, who held a remembrance for Israelis killed by Hamas but also a wavering stance by the London Metropolitan Police regarding the start time of the march.
After a week of uncertainty, with the police initially commanding a two-hour delay to the original 12 pm start time, they conceded to the protest organisers’ demands less than 24 hours before the march was to begin. Unfazed, the organisers saw this turn around as exhibiting both “serious disruption” to their efforts and an unwelcome attempt to impede their right to protest.
Despite the barriers presented, Chris Nineham from the Stop the War coalition was pleased the march proceeded as planned and declared it to be a “major victory” for the Palestine movement. This march has proven that the will for change is hard to dampen, no matter the obstacles.
