Tens of Thousands March in London for Gaza, Warn Against Iran Escalation
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators filled the streets of central London on Saturday, calling for an end to the war in Gaza and warning against a wider regional conflict amid growing Iran-Israel tensions.
Waving Palestinian and Iranian flags, protesters marched from Russell Square to the Palace of Westminster, chanting “Palestine will be free” and holding placards that read “Stop arming Israel” and “No war on Iran.”
“It’s important to remember that people are suffering in Gaza. I fear all the focus will be on Iran now,” said Harry Baker, 34, attending his third pro-Palestinian protest.
The march, organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, comes amid fears that the conflict could spill further across the Middle East as the United States considers supporting Israeli strikes on Iran.
Gaza has faced near-total destruction during the 20-month-long war between Israel and Hamas. According to the Gaza health ministry, the death toll has reached at least 55,637. UN agencies have warned of famine-like conditions as a result of an Israeli blockade on aid.
“People need to keep their eyes on Gaza. That’s where the genocide is happening,” said Nicky Marcus, a 60-year-old protester.
Another protester, Jose Diaz, 31, added, “I feel frustrated, angry because of what’s happening in Gaza. It’s still going on after so many months.”
Iran has reported over 400 deaths from Israeli airstrikes launched last week, while 25 people have been killed in Israel, according to official figures.
An Iranian student at the march, who withheld her name, said, “I’m scared for my country. I know the regime is not good, but it’s still my home.”
Meanwhile, UK media report that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is preparing to outlaw the activist group Palestine Action, which on Friday breached the UK’s largest air force base and vandalised two military planes.
Britain has taken a firmer stance on the Gaza conflict in recent weeks—sanctioning two Israeli cabinet ministers, suspending free-trade talks with Israel, and summoning the Israeli ambassador.
The UK government has also expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions while urging both sides to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.
